Essential Lifting Techniques for Stewarding

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Stewarding is not just about safety and cleanliness in the workplace. Stewarding also require you to lift items to clear and carve some space in the kitchen environment. Not only that, lifting is also essential to move big merchandise on and off the work site. Having said that, lifting is no simple matter. Injuries can be sustained if your lifting techniques are erroneous or sub par. Read on and see how to properly deal with lifting different merchandise around your workplace.

1. Swallow your pride and ask for help. Do not even attempt to carry or lift a stockpot alone. Having an assistant with you will minimize the weight of the merchandise; hence you will avoid any injuries. Ask for help even if you don’t have a history of lifting injuries.

2. When carrying or lifting heavy load, use your legs and keep your back straight. This technique is actually used by weight-lifters. Notice how Olympic weight-lifters have spine supporters. This is because lifting heavy weight can be very dangerous to your back. So keep that back straight when you are lifting things. If you have a spine protective gear, use it.

3. Pot carrying can be hazardous especially if it contains scalding hot soup. In order to help you balance the pot while carrying it slip your side towel through the handles. Then use both of your hands in lifting it up. This will equally distribute the strain in your back.

4. Make sure that the floor is free from grease or water spills. This is very dangerous and is in fact the main cause of slip and fall injuries in the kitchen environment. So make sure that any spills are cordoned off or mopped up.

5. Lifting a heavy item is not easy and can cause injury. You have to spread out your legs and protect your back as stated earlier. You will maintain your balance if you spread your legs at about shoulder-width. Grasp the item at both handles to again keep your balance. Bend only your knees and not your waist to avoid injury. Always get help if the item is too heavy or in an irregular shape.

6. Always hold the item close to your body. This is again in line with the balance issues that you should maintain. Carry the item without compromising balance so you can avoid any untoward accidents.

7. Step carefully and know in advance where you are going. If you are unfamiliar with where you are going, it is best to scout out the area. Do a little recon of the area where you need to carry your merchandise. Familiarity with your area of concern is paramount to your own safety and efficiency.

Carrying and lifting can be very dangerous if not done correctly. Just follow the guide above and keep it in mind during times when you need to carry heavy items. The best advice above is to ask for help. Four hands are better than one when it comes to lifting and carrying. Be sure also to observe your establishment’s safety procedures when lifting and carrying heavy items.

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