Yet many employers may not be aware of how to reduce the risk associated with lifting.

Bending, reaching, and twisting while lifting can result in back pain.

Handling heavy loads or repeating the same motions can also increase the risk of injury.

Back injuries are painful and can be debilitating, not to mention expensive.

They cost millions of dollars in claims every year.

Employers are required to reduce the risk to workers by implementing control measures; for example,

using mechanical assistance to handle heavy loads,

raising the load to minimize bending,

and rotating the load to minimize reaching.

For more information about lifting in the workplace go to worksafebc.com.