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MMH - Team Handling

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What is team handling?

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"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?

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

Lifting and carrying long objects as a team


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

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

Webbing to secure straps

  • 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.
Use your body weight to tilt the object
  • Tip the truck back with assistance.
Tip truck back with assistance
  • Move off. The assisting person directs the movement.
Assisting person directs the movement

  • Fact sheet confirmed current: 2018-12-20
  • Fact sheet last revised: 2002-10-08