• What is team handling?
• What should be done when lifting and carrying long objects as team?
• What should be done when lifting and moving furniture as a team?

What is team handling?

"Team handling" occurs when more than one person is involved during the lift.

• Use team lifting and carrying where other solutions are inappropriate.
• Remember that the combined strength of the team is less than the sum of individual strength.
• Select team members of similar height and strength.
• Assign a leader to the team.
• Determine a set of commands to be used such as "lift", "walk", "stop", "down". Make sure that everyone knows what to do when they hear the command.
• Follow the commands given by the team leader.
• Practice team lifting and carrying together before attempting the task.

What should be done when lifting and carrying long objects as team?

• Use a shoulder pad to reduce compression.
• Carry load on the same shoulder.
• Walk in step.

What should be done when lifting and moving furniture as a team?

• Use straps.
• Adjust the length of the straps according to your height.

• Use webbing around straps to secure them from slipping off.
• Obtain assistance while loading a heavy object on the truck.
• Use your body weight to tilt the object.
• Place the lip of the truck under the object.

• Tip the truck back with assistance.

• Move off. The assisting person directs the movement.

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Document last updated on October 8, 2002

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