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  • Basic Auto Repair Safety

  • Automotive Lift Safety

  • Brake and Clutch Repair Safety

  • Chemicals and Fluids Safety

  • Fire Safety

  • Frame Straightener Safety

  • Fuel Handling Safety

  • Grinder Safety

  • Hand Tool Safety

  • Inspection Pit Safety

  • Ladder Safety

  • Physical Lifting Safety

  • Power Tool Safety

  • Spray Painting Safety

  • Steering and Suspension Repair Safety

  • Tire Removal and Replacement Safety

  • Vehicle Handling Safety

  • Vehicle Jack Safety

  • Welding, Cutting, and Burning Safety

  • OSHA Requirements for Auto Repair Shops

Physical Lifting Safety

Lifting a heavy wheel and mounted tire

The human body is an efficient machine, but it has its limits. Awareness of proper lifting techniques is crucial to avoiding injury.

Plan and use teamwork when lifting

According to Standford Environmental Health & Safety, you should always put a plan in place before lifting heavy materials. Plan your route so you won’t run into any obstructions. If the load is too heavy for you to lift by yourself, ask someone for help.

Make sure the object isn't too heavy to be lifted physically. Some scenarios in an auto repair shop may require the use of hand trucks, dollies, pallet carts, or other lifting aids.

A hand truck used for moving heavy items.
Hand trucks and other lifting aids are useful for moving heavy items.

Proper lifting form

Never try to pick up objects that are wet, greasy, or can easily slip from your grasp. Always wear work gloves and safety toed non-slip work shoes.

Place your feet 6 to 12 inches apart, and make sure you're facing the load. Bend with your knees, not your back. Grasp the object firmly with both hands. If the object has handles, use them.

This video covers some key aspects of proper lifting form:

More safe lifting tips

If you have to lift an object above waist level, set it down on a secure surface at medium height before trying to lift it higher. When lifting an object off a truck, slide the object to the end of the tailgate before trying to lift it.