Avoiding Injury When Lifting Crates

The Summer months are often a busy time for Easycrate. Students moving to and from university, businesses relocating their offices, house moves getting completion dates and people simply decluttering and sorting their home storage - the reasons people hire crates from Easycrate is often varied. 

Whatever the reason for hiring crates, and no matter how big or small the job is, using our crates safely is imperative to Easycrate. 

If you are planning a move, refurbishment or improving your home storage, follow our safety tips to avoid injury.

Easycrate's Safe Lifting Tips 

Prior to lifting, check that your route is clear, without obstacles. 

• Feet should be spread shoulder width apart and knees should be bent. If you have a history of back pain, you may want to consider wearing a back support belt for additional protection when lifting our crates. 

• When bending at your knees ensure that you lower yourself straight down to where you can place your hands around the box. Do not bend at your waist; this is how most injuries from lifting occur. Also ensure you are as close as possible to the crate you are picking up.

• Are you in a stable, balanced position? Flexing your stomach muscles will provide additional core support and will reduce the pressure the weight can put on your back.

• Make sure that you lift the crate with your legs, not your back. Lift the crate in one smooth movement, keeping it close to your body.

• Keep the crate balanced as you carry it. Avoid putting more weight on one side of your body than on the other as this could cause shoulder or arm pain. If you need to turn when carrying the crate, pivot with your feet, instead of twisting at the waist.

• Carry the crate mid way up your body, ensuring you can clearly see where you are going when carrying. Walk slowly to your destination and set the crate down carefully. Remember to bend your knees as you lower the crate to the ground and allow your body to lower in a straight position.

The team at Easycrate hope you have found these tips useful. To view our crate hire range please follow the link here. 

If you need additional support when moving crates, Easycrate also have a range of moving equipment to aid transportation. To view our moving equipment range please follow the link here.