Moving heavy boxes necessitates proper safety measures. To avoid serious bodily injury, there are a number of tips to know about how to do this the right way.

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It is something that most of us have been told at least once in our lives, or that we have learned from trial and error. If you are going to be lifting or moving heavy equipment, you need to know how to do so safely.

Avoid Injury

The majority of back and neck injuries are caused by carelessness, often the result of impatience and ignorance. Unfortunately, failure to use best lifting and carrying practices is what puts people out of commission and can sometimes even require hospitalization and a sizable dose of painkillers. For this reason alone, it is in your best interest to know how to move and deal with heavy boxes the right way.

It may seem like common sense, but remember that not using proper form or sticking to precaution is the mindset that most people who get injured have previously adopted. Being smart will save you time, money and a whole lot of pain. All it takes is one accident to cause long-term spinal damage. Herniated discs, for example, are quite common and can be difficult to treat completely.

How to Lift and Move Heavy Boxes: Back to Basics

• Use your legs, not your back – Bending at the knees as opposed to the waist is critical for preventing back injury. As easy as it may sound, many people fail to do so. The human spine is not designed to withstand the kind of pressure that can result from lifting a heavy box. The goal is to minimize the impact your spine is subjected to, ideally, this means keeping perfect posture throughout the lifting process.

• Get up close and personal – The law of physics has it that the closer an item is to your body, the easier it is to lift. Outstretched arms and a hunched over back are ingredients for disaster.

• Use a firm grip – Place your hands underneath the box and squeeze firmly to avoid accidentally dropping it. Investing in a quality set of lifting gloves will definitely help in this respect, as sweaty palms are a top cause of slips.

• Never lift over your head – To avoid having a heavy box fall on top of you, get a ladder if you are retrieving a box above shoulder height.

• Inspect the weight of the box before attempting to pick it up – A lot of injuries occur when people underestimate the load they are about to lift. If your mind thinks something is lighter than it is, it will tell the muscles in your body to not exert as much strength, which is obviously not a good thing.

• Keep the weight balanced and level – Establishing and maintaining a balance will reduce unnecessary strain on your body.

Moving can be an exhilarating, yet stressful time in anyone’s life. Avoid becoming overly stressed with a back or neck injury by being extra careful and understanding and using proper form.

Author Bio: Author Bio: Rose McMillan is a home improvement blogger, sharing her latest experiences working with Atlanta movers for residences and commercial buildings.