GUIDELINES FOR

MANUAL

HANDLING WHEN

ASSISTING

CLIENTS

3

Contents Page MANUAL HANDLING PRINCIPLES.................................................................. 4

ASSISTING CLIENTS TO WALK PROCEDURE..................................................... 6

One Person Assistance............................................................................ 6

Single Stick or Four Pronged Walking Stick ............................................. 6

Frame or a Wheeled Walker .................................................................... 7

ASSISTING CLIENTS ON OR OFF A BUS.............................................. ............. 8

Getting On A Bus ................................................ ..................................... 8

Getting Off A Bus - Forwards ................................................................... 8

Getting Off A Bus – Backwards....................................................... ......... 9

ASSISTING CLIENTS TO SIT AND STAND ...................................................... 10

To Sit.................................................................................................... 10

To Stand................................................................................................ 10

Assisting Clients In And Out Of A Car.................................................... 12

Into A Car .............................................................................................. 12

Out Of A Car .......................................................................................... 13

From A Wheelchair Into A Car ............................................................... 14

From Car Into Wheelchair ...................................................................... 15

USING A WHEELCHAIR................................................................................. 17

General Safety Principles Whilst Using A Wheelchair........................... 17

Opening a Folded Wheelchair............................................................... 18

Folding a Wheelchair............................................................................. 18

Pushing The Wheelchair ........................................................................ 19

Tipping The Wheelchair ...................................................................... 19

Pushing A Wheelchair Up A Kerb .......................................................... 20

Pushing A Wheelchair Down A Kerb...................................................... 20

Reverse Method Going Down A Kerb ................................................... 21

Using A Sliding Board To Assist Client From Wheelchair To Bus Seat…. 22

Lifting Wheelchair in / out of a Car Boot ................................................ 22

ASSISTING CLIENT WITH STAIRS................................................................... 24

Assisting The Client Up The Stairs........................................................ 24

Assisting The Client Down The Stairs ................................................... 24

CLIENT FALLS PROCEDURE ........................................................................... 25

If a Client Has Fallen to the Ground ........................................................ 25

CARRYING SHOPPING BAGS......................................................................... 26

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MANUAL HANDLING PRINCIPLES

STOP, STEP BACK AND OBSERVE THINK THROUGH THE TASK BEFORE PROCEEDING.

1. Always remember to maintain a straight back throughout all tasks. 2. Wear supportive footwear that is suitable for the work you are undertaking. 3. To avoid twisting your upper body, move your feet to face the task front-on before proceeding. 4. Bend your knees to squat, not your back. Lunging postures can also be used (ie, one foot in

front of the other and then lowering to the ground by bending both knees).

5. Avoid bending, twisting and overreaching. 6. Move smoothly, do not jerk or strain. 7. If the client you are assisting is beyond your strength and ability call an ambulance or the office

for advice or assistance. 8. Wherever possible use equipment to reduce effort or ask another person for assistance. Do not

attempt to lift.

Bend your knees, not

your back

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9. If you feel strain in your lower back when preparing to assist a client cease assistance and call

the office to gain advice. A reassessment, access to a hoist, mobility aid or additional team

member may be required to safely perform the task.

10. When providing assistance, it is important to always communicate before and during tasks to

assist with co-ordination between clients and team members.

11. One method of providing increased support to the lower back when performing any activity is by

bracing or tightening the abdominal muscles (known as the stomach muscles). To tighten

your abdominals you slowly draw your navel towards your spine, hold that position and continue

normal breathing. This will help you to remain stable and solid through your torso.

12. Team members are encouraged to maintain fitness, perform stretches and exercise regularly

and to wear sturdy supportive shoes when undertaking duties.

13. Stretches should be performed during team members’ down time.

14. Sit to stand exercises, that is repetitions of sitting on a chair and standing, help to strengthen

thigh muscles (quadriceps femoris or quads).

Stretch regularly

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ASSISTING CLIENTS TO WALK PROCEDURE

• Before assisting your client to walk, you must ensure the environment and equipment is

safe

• Observe the area and ensure pathways and walkways are cleared of any obstructions that

may restrict a safe walking path. This may include loose mats, hoses, bushes etc

When a client does need assistance to walk, before assisting them, assess the client to determine

what method of assistance is the most appropriate.

If the client appears unstable, use appropriate level of aid i.e. Stick, walking frame or wheelchair.

One Person Assistance

Always remember to discuss the best method of providing assistance with the client. Quite

often they know more about their situation and requirements.

Stand on the person’s stronger side.

If needed, you can offer your arm to provide support to the client. Make a fist of your hand and tuck

your thumb into your hand (see photo) and allow the client to grasp your arm. This keeps your

thumb out of the way, and undamaged, if client sways or falls.

Single Stick or Four Pronged Walking Stick

The best height for walking stick handles is the wrist height of the client when they are

standing straight.

The client should use the stick on their stronger side i.e. if the right leg is weak or painful then the stick

should be held in the left hand.

Stand on the person’s weaker side to assist.

Make a fist of your hand and tuck your

thumb into your hand

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Assess the client to determine whether supervision or additional support is needed.

Remember to discuss with the client their requirements before providing assistance.

Frame Or A Wheeled Walker

The best height for wheeled walker handles is the wrist height of the client when they are

standing straight.

Refer to the Assisting Clients to Stand section if necessary. Encourage clients to walk in the walker –

not to push it in front of themselves.

If a client cannot walk on their own with a frame or wheeled walker they may require a wheelchair or

they may be outside our capacity. The service must be notified immediately.

YPCT may be able to provide a transport wheelchair (also called attendant wheelchairs) for transport-

ing a client if required.

Handle height adjusted

to wrist height

Encourage client to walk

in the walker

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ASSISTING CLIENTS ON OR OFF A BUS

Getting On A Bus

With the client’s permission, you may hold their bag or walking aid,

so that they may have both hands on the rails.

Position the client as close as possible to the bottom step of the

bus.

Encourage the client to hold onto the bus rails for support on either

or both sides to increase stability.

You may stand behind the client to provide support by putting a

hand on their back to ensure the stability of the client. Ask the client

if you can put your hand on their back to support them.

Getting Off A Bus - Forwards

• Ensure client’s feet are positioned flat on the step to provide maximum support

• Only cushion a fall if you are able to maintain a squat or lunge posture and not

compromise yourself

Remind the client to bend their head to look for the step if necessary.

Encourage the client to hold onto the bus rail for support on either or

both sides to increase stability.

Assist the client to find the edge of the step by sliding each foot

forward.

Assist the client to lower one foot and then the other to the same step

on the stairs. Remind the client to descend with the weaker leg first.

Encourage the client to take as much time as they need and to pause

on each step before repeating this procedure.

You may provide an arm to support the client. Allow a moment for the

client to regain their bearings before they move off.

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Getting Off A Bus – Backwards

If a client is particularly frail this method is preferable as it will prevent the risk of the client

falling forward off the bus onto the roadway or hard surface.

Ask client if you can take any bags for them so the client can use

both hands to hold onto rails. Do not hold bags while assisting

client.

Remind the client to bend their head down to look for the step if

necessary.

Encourage the client to hold onto the bus rail for support on either

or both sides to increase stability.

Ask the client to find the edge of the step by sliding each foot back.

You may assist verbally until they find it.

Encourage the client to lower one foot and then the other to the

same step on the stairs. Remind the client to descend with the

weaker leg first. After obtaining

permission from the client you

may put your hand on their back to support and steady them.

Encourage the client to take as much time as they need and to

pause on each step before repeating this procedure.

You may provide a steady arm to support the client as they turn

around and face outwards.

Allow a moment for the client to regain their bearings before they

move off.

You may want to have any required equipment close by so you

don’t have to leave the client.

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ASSISTING CLIENTS TO SIT AND STAND

To Sit

Before assisting the client to sit, make sure the seat is stable. You may also need to ensure the client

can feel the edge of the seat with the back of both legs before assisting them to sit.

Aids such as a swivel seat or Handybar ® can be used.

Encourage the client to stand right in front of the seat with the back of their legs touching the edge of

the seat.

Encourage the client to slowly lower themselves down to the surface of the seat without dropping

themselves down.

Ensure the client is sitting back into the seat. When assisting a client to sit in a chair rather than a bus

seat you may instruct them by the phrase “stick your bottom out and sit towards the back of the seat”.

This can save you from providing further assistance to correct their sitting posture in a confined and

difficult area.

Ensure less able clients sit towards the front of the bus so they can be more easily assisted.

To Stand

You may offer assistance to steady a client but you must not take the client’s weight.

You should identify the client’s needs by discussing it with the client, in private, for example

after other clients have exited the bus.

When you are assisting a client from a sitting to a standing position inside a bus, you should position

yourself at the side of the client.

Ensure you have the client’s permission to provide physical assistance if required.

A Handybar inserted into the U-bolt

latch of a car

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Assess how much assistance you should

provide.

• In a bus advise the client to bring their legs

into the aisle.

• Ask the client to slide or shuffle forward to

the front of the seat.

• Their feet should be shoulder width apart,

as far forward as necessary to provide

sufficient leverage to stand.

• Ask client to put their nose over their toes.

Encourage the client to place their hands

on the seat to assist with the stand.

• If necessary you may provide minimal

assistance from the side while the client

pushes themselves up with their arms.

• Use the direction “Ready, brace, stand” so

you are both working together on the

“stand” direction.

• Do not pull or drag or lift, simply provide

leverage that the client can utilise.

On a bus clients often use surrounding seats to help pull themselves up. Be aware that there may be limited grip on the seat backs if the seat is soft, slippery or very pliable.

If necessary, you may stop the client’s foot or feet slipping by firmly placing your foot in front of theirs

while they stand.

To edge of seat, feet apart, nose over toes

Prevent feet slipping by placing a foot in front

of them

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ASSISTING CLIENTS IN AND OUT OF A CAR

Assisting Clients In And Out Of A Car

Before attempting to move someone in or out of the car, ensure that the door is locked into a fully

opened position.

Do not use the car door as a tool for support, car doors are prone to move and could result in injury to

you or the client. Be aware that clients may attempt to use an unsecured door to help themselves to

stand. If you are not able to secure the door advise the client not to use the door.

Assistance may be required to move the client’s legs.

In most circumstances you would move one leg at a time; there may be special incidences where it

may be better to move both legs at the same time, for example a client with hip pain.

This should be discussed with the client prior to providing assistance.

Use correct techniques to avoid bending and twisting: squat or lunge to reach the client’s legs.

Into A Car

Clients who can access a car are generally independent requiring minimal assistance.

Prepare for access by pushing the car seat back as far as possible to

ensure maximum leg room.

Open the car door completely and hold the door to prevent it

swinging back onto the person and ensure the window is wound

down.

Assist the client to stand with the back of their legs against the car

seat before they sit down.

Protect the client’s head as they sit down encouraging bending from

the hips.

The client can hold onto the dashboard or the car body for support if

necessary.

Pivot the person on their bottom by

bringing their legs around into the car whilst you are squatting or

kneeling.

If your client has hip pain, recline the car seat to make it easier for

them to pivot on their bottom.

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You may need to assist with the client’s legs ensuring that

you tell the client that you are going to do so and transfer

one leg over at a time. But once again take care of your

back, set yourself up in a steady position and bend the

knees not your back.

Ensure that you provide instructions to the client at all

times.

Out Of A Car

Make sure you have the client’s walker, walking stick or wheelchair in the ready position before they

stand up.

When transferring a client out of the car ask the client to slide themselves forward to the edge of the

car seat.

Ask the client to turn their body and lift their legs out of the car. You may assist them by gently lifting

each foot, ensure you maintain a safe posture by squatting or lunging and maintain a straight back.

Ask the client to lean forward out of the car so that their head is positioned over their feet.

Encourage the client to hold onto the body of the car for support.

For clients who have difficulty in standing independently, encourage them to rock forward and

backwards to build up their momentum, then pull themselves up into a standing position.

You may guide this movement but never take the client’s weight;

the momentum should create the movement. The client can use

the door arm rest, the car seat or a Handybar® to assist

themselves.

Ensure that you are using a squat or lunge posture during this

action.

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ASSISTING CLIENTS IN OR OUT OF A CAR WHEN

USING A WHEELCHAIR

Clients who experience pain or discomfort when transferring, or who require significant lifting,

should remain in their wheelchair and be transported with the assistance of a hoist.

Apply the relevant guidelines which commence on page 17: “Using a Wheelchair”.

Talk to the client to identify how much assistance is needed.

Position the wheelchair close to the car, and at an angle which ensures that once the client stands

from the car seat they are facing the wheelchair.

Ensure that the wheelchair’s brakes are on.

Secure the door open by holding the door or placing the wheelchair against it.

Assess the situation and only transfer the client from the wheelchair to the car if deemed safe. If not

please advise the office and arrange for alternative service provision.

Utilise a sliding board, if available and appropriate, to support the transfer between the wheelchair

and seat.

From A Wheelchair Into A Car

Before you proceed ensure that the BRAKES ARE ON and footplates are raised.

Encourage the client to slide themselves forward to sit at the edge of the chair.

Ask the client to place their feet on the ground. You may assist them by gently lifting each foot, set

yourself up in a safe position before you attempt to do so; squat down or use a lunge position and en-

sure you maintain good posture, keeping your back straight.

Ask the client to lean forward so that their head is positioned over their feet

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Encourage the client to use the armrests to push themselves up into a standing position and then tell

them they can hold onto you for additional support.

Ask the client to shuffle their feet sideways to position themselves with the back of their legs facing

the side of the car seat.

Ask the client to hold onto the body of the car and use this support to slowly lower themselves onto

the seat so they are sitting sideways on the car seat.

Encourage the client to use their own body strength to lift their legs up one at a time and transfer

them into the car, if assistance is required you can assist them in doing so but ensure you maintain a

safe posture (squat or lunge down and maintain a straight back).

Ask the client to rotate their upper body to face the front of the car, legs first then the upper body

follows through.

Ask the client to slide back into a comfortable position against the back of the car seat.

Also ask the client if they require assistance in fitting the seat belt; either way make sure the seat belt

is secured.

From Car Into Wheelchair

Drivers should provide the client with clear step by step directions.

Position the wheelchair parallel with the rear car door ensuring footplates are in open position and

brakes are on.

Initially ask the client to slide themselves forward to the edge of the car seat.

Ask the client to turn their body and lift their legs out of the car. If

necessary, you may assist them by gently lifting each foot. Ensure that

you maintain a safe posture by squatting or lunging and keep the back

straight.

Ask the client to lean forward out of the car so that their head is

positioned over their feet.

Encourage the client to hold onto the body of the car or Handybar ®, if

available, for support.

Note the Handybar

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For clients who have difficulty in standing on their own encourage them to rock forward and

backwards to build up their momentum, then pull themselves up into a standing position (you may

guide this movement by placing one hand on your clients hips and one hand behind the shoulder

blade but never take the clients weight, the momentum should create the movement). Ensure that

you are using a squat or lunge posture during this action.

Note that you can use a slide board to support the transfer from the car to the wheelchair if

appropriate.

Once the client is in the standing position, instruct the client to shuffle their feet until the backs of their

knees are in contact with the seat of the wheelchair.

Ask the client to grip the armrests and hold onto them to provide support while they slowly lower

themselves into the wheelchair seat.

You must then check that the wheels are free of clothing, lower the footrests, secure any bags and

ensure the client is comfortable and then ask the client if they are ready to go.

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USING A WHEELCHAIR

STOP, STEP BACK AND OBSERVE

THINK THROUGH THE TASK BEFORE PROCEEDING

DO NOT ATTEMPT, OR CONTINUE, ANY TASK THAT MAY BE BEYOND

YOUR CAPABILITIES

General Safety Principles Whilst Using A Wheelchair

There are a lot of different wheelchairs. Before setting off ensure you can identify the location and

use of the brakes, both applying and releasing them and folding and releasing the footplates.

Before attempting a client transfer always fold up or swing away foot plates.

Never step on footplates.

Always apply both brakes when transferring with a wheelchair or when stopping in one place.

When lifting a wheelchair remove the footplates and armrests.

DO NOT rely on the armrests to lift the wheelchair, as they may be detachable, resulting in injury.

Older wheelchairs are heavy so ask for assistance if necessary.

Always assess the area;

• are ramps available?

• is the height of the kerb within your abilities?

• is the terrain too steep to manage?

• is the surface too rough or slippery, compromising your control of the chair?

Remove both armrests

Remove both

footplates

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When negotiating steps ensure that no more than 2 steps at any one time are undertaken without a

rest.

Take the time to assess each situation and undertake a Risk Assessment where required as a car or

hoist may be required for the wheelchair.

Opening a Folded Wheelchair

There is a large variety of wheelchairs. A client will generally know their wheelchair and be able to

guide you. Following are the basic steps.

Stand to one side of the wheelchair.

Place one hand on each side of the seat frame whilst in a lunging or squatting posture.

Slowly push down on the seat frame and maintain a straight back.

Ensure your fingers are clear of the gap between side frame and armrests, as there is risk of fingers

getting caught.

If a wheelchair has expanding struts make sure you secure both front and back.

Folding a Wheelchair

• Apply the brakes

• Squat down and fold up the footplates, or remove footplates if

putting the wheelchair into a car

• Stand at the side of the chair

• Take a firm hold of the seat canvas at the front and rear of the

chair and pull upwards whilst maintaining a straight back.

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Pushing The Wheelchair

If moving wheelchair across a rough surface tip the wheelchair onto the rear wheels until a balance

point is reached in order to safely manoeuvre it.

Tipping The Wheelchair

Tipping a wheelchair can cause vertigo for occupants so discuss this with them first.

If client agrees tell them when you are about to attempt to tip the wheelchair.

Place your foot on the tipping lever and push down, at the same time apply a controlled force through

the handgrips pulling back and down

Continue to tip the wheelchair until a point of balance is achieved.

This can be determined when the weight of the chair feels as though it will not swing backwards or

forwards easily.

When you need to lower the wheelchair do so by placing your foot on the tipping lever and slowly

control the movement down.

Maintain a semi-squat posture and a straight back during this action.

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Pushing A Wheelchair Up A Kerb

Approach the kerb front on.

Tip the wheelchair on to rear wheels using the tipping lever.

Place the front castors down on top of the kerb.

Push steadily and firmly so the rear wheels ride up the kerb, rely on the strength of your legs to

create the force to push the chair forward, maintain good body posture and keep your back straight.

Pushing A Wheelchair Down A Kerb

Approach the kerb front on.

Turn the wheelchair around so back of chair is facing the kerb.

It is important to take the wheelchair down backwards to prevent the occupant tipping

forward in the chair.

Tip the wheelchair on to rear wheels.

Pull steadily and firmly so the rear wheels ride smoothly down the kerb.

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Reverse Method Going Down A Kerb

Approach the kerb front on.

Tip the wheelchair onto the rear wheels (using the tipper lever).

Slowly lower the chair down the kerb, balanced on the rear wheels.

Lower the front castors.

Ensure your knees are bent and maintain good posture by keeping your back straight.

Before attempting this assess the situation.

Is the surface too steep? A 1 to 7 gradient is an acceptable standard - meaning for every seven me-

tres you travel horizontally there is an increase in height by one metre. When assessing the slope,

proceed if the slope appears long and gentle.

If the slope is steeper than 1:7, the best way to wheel the client down is backwards as you have

greater strength in your lower legs to control the chair rather than relying on your body strength.

If the slope is too steep do not attempt to push the wheelchair up or down it, where possible contact

office for further instructions.

1 high

Acceptable slope

7 long

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This may mean a withdrawal of services for that day or until such time as a safe procedure for service

delivery may be identified.

Rely on the force generated by your legs to drive the chair up the ramp and ensure you maintain

good posture…keep your back straight.

One method of providing increased support to the lower back when performing any activity is by

bracing or tightening the abdominal muscles (known as the stomach muscles). To tighten your

abdominals you slowly draw your navel towards your spine, hold that position and continue normal

breathing. This will help you to remain stable and solid through your torso.

When coming down a ramp, carefully steady yourself through each step, relying on your muscles to

slow the movement of the wheelchair forward, keep the wheelchair close to your body and brace your

abdominal area, once again it is important to maintain a straight back.

Using A Sliding Board To Assist A Client From A Wheelchair To A Bus Seat

Sliding boards are used independently by clients so the clients should be encouraged to perform the

majority of the transfer unassisted.

• Position the wheelchair parallel to the seat.

• Remove the arm rest closest to the seat.

• Place the sliding board under the client’s buttocks by asking the client to tilt sideways thus raising

their buttock off the seat

• The sliding board creates a platform between the wheelchair and the seat.

• As the board will give clients more security and independence encourage them to do most of the

work by holding onto the seats and pulling themselves across as they slide on the board.

• Once the client has moved across to the seat remove the sliding board by asking the client to again

tilt sideways.

• To reach the client from the side or from behind it is important to use a side lunge or semi-squat

posture.

Lifting Wheelchair in / out of a Car Boot

• Remove all easily detachable parts including; wheels, footplates and arm rests and place them in

the car or boot

• Engage the brakes

• Fold the wheelchair, using your legs by squatting rather then stooping down

From this squat position take a firm hold of the wheelchair frame and lift the wheelchair up to boot lip

height, holding it close to your body and slowly lower it into the boot. Bend the knees if necessary to

avoid stooping through the back.

23

If possible you may consider placing a towel over the edge of

the car to protect it and make it easier to slide in. Sometimes

you may need to bend forward from the hips to maintain a

straight back.

24

ASSISTING CLIENT WITH STAIRS

Ensure the stairs are in good condition and free of obstructions before assisting the client with them.

Encourage the client to use their stronger leg to lead up the stairs and weaker leg to lead down.

Assisting The Client Up The Stairs

Stand behind and to the side of the client to assist with stairs.

Encourage client to step up with the stronger leg. You can remind

the client by using the phrase “Good leg goes to heaven”.

Encourage the client to hold onto the handrail(s) if available or to

use a walking stick, to increase stability. Do not take client’s

weight.

Assisting The Client Down The Stairs

Stand to the side of the client.

Encourage the client to step down with the weaker leg and stick if

used first. You can remind the client by using the phrase “bad leg goes to hell”.

Encourage the client to hold onto the rail, if available with one hand to increase stability.

Avoid descending the stairs at the same time as the client; you should go down a step ahead of the

client.

Encourage the client to hold onto the handrail(s) if available or to use a walking stick, to increase

stability. Do not take client’s weight.

If the client requires a lot of assistance a Risk Assessment should

be undertaken prior to providing the service, to identify whether

we need to refer the client to a more suitable service or the safest

method of providing assistance.

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CLIENT FALLS PROCEDURE

AN AMBULANCE MUST BE CALLED WHENEVER A CLIENT FALLS.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO LIFT A CLIENT.

If a Client Has Fallen

Clients may have injuries as a result of a fall that are not obvious, for example, fractured bones, brain

injury, or grazing that develops into an infection. The reason for the fall may not be obvious either, for

example, a stroke, heart or blood pressure issues.

Take a moment to assess the situation to determine what action to take. If possible talk to the client

about their requirements and remind them that you have to call an ambulance.

If the client does not want an ambulance you should explain that you are required to call an

ambulance whenever a client falls and that the client may refuse the ambulance service when it

arrives. Ambulance services are free to pensioners.

Ensure the person is warm and comfortable.

NEVER GIVE FOOD, DRINK OR MEDICATION (e.g. pain killers)

The client may self-administer their own medication.

Call for an ambulance on 000 or 112 if no reception. The Ambulance service will provide advice.

Ring the office to report the incident as soon as practicable.

Once help has been arranged, stay with the client, reassure them and provide appropriate comfort

and support. For example: padding under their head; cover them to reduce shock; provide shade if

necessary. Remain calm and keep communicating with the client.

If the client wants to get up and is physically able to with minimal assistance it is recommended that

you advise them to move into a sitting position first. You could assist the client by getting down to the

ground level by squatting, kneeling or lunging and place your hand on the client’s back to guide their

movement.

Advise the client to sit there for several minutes before attempting to stand. This is to allow circulation

and blood pressure to adjust, and help prevent feelings of light-headedness and additional falls.

A chair, if available, may be placed next to the client for them to use for leverage to assist their climb

from the floor. Ensure that the chair is stable at all times.

Even if the client is able to sit or stand you must still call an ambulance.

You must also complete an Incident Form and forward it to the office at the first opportunity

no matter what the outcome.

The following working day the office should follow up to ensure the client is all right. For example: a

phone call to the client, if no answer, call the local hospital or visit their home. Follow up and

outcomes to be noted on Incident form.

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CARRYING SHOPPING BAGS

When carrying client’s shopping bags, workers are encouraged to:

Utilise safe manual handling techniques incorporating semi-squatting, lunging, abdominal

bracing (tightening the stomach muscles when lifting loads) and even distribution of weight on

each side.

It is important to move walking aids and shopping out of the bus before the client exits.

If the client requires assistance then escort the client safely into their home before returning for

the shopping.

• Squat or lunge when picking up shopping, use your legs not your back.

• Tighten the stomach muscles to support your lower back while lifting the loads.

• Balance the weights by even distribution between both hands.

• Limit the load to reduce the likelihood of injury, particularly in the shoulders.

• Plan the path of travel when carrying bags to prevent falls and awkward postures.

• When lowering and lifting shopping bags remember to use the squat or lunge position, maintain

a straight back and tighten the stomach muscles to support the lower back.