The following paragraph takes you through the process of moving (lifting, pivoting, squatting, and carrying) a heavy object. (The same rules would apply to moving a patient.)

The object will be moved from a waist high area to a lower area five to ten feet away. The procedure will combine all the rules of body mechanics previously discussed.

Identify the object to be moved.

• Adopt a stable base of support.
• Your feet are separated.
• One foot is behind the other.
• Your back is straight.

Grasp the object at its approximate center of gravity.

Pull the object toward your body’s center of gravity using your arm and leg muscles.

Re-establish your base of support and appropriate body alignment.

• Your back is straight.
• You have a stable base of support.
• You are holding the object approximately at waist height and close to your body.

Pivot toward the desired direction of travel.

• Turn on both feet at the same time.
• Maintain a stable balance.

Re-establish a stable base of support and appropriate body alignment.

• Your back is straight.
• Your feet are apart, one slightly behind the other.
• The object is at hip level, close to your body.

Squat and place the object onto the lower area.

• Bend at the knees and hips.
• Maintain a straight back.
• Maintain a stable base of support.
• Use your arm and leg muscles (as needed) for guidance.
• Use your leg muscles to resume an upright position.