• Stack heavier items on lower shelves.
   
• Store lighter goods on the top shelves. 
   
• Stack items used most frequently at a convenient waist level.
   
• Get help lifting heavy items.
   
• Use a stool or ladder to access items on shelves. Do not stand on chairs or boxes that might tip over.
   
• Lighten the load to be lifted by encouraging employer to purchase smaller and therefore lighter cartons of stock. 
   
  • Use proper lifting techniques when performing manual lifts to minimize the risk to the back. However, a heavy load (35 pounds or more for teen workers) can cause injury even with perfect technique. Do not manually lift heavy loads alone; get help.
• Use handrails if traveling on stairs, avoid undue speed, and carry only items that you can safely see over.

• Limit lifting by hand. Use hand carts when moving products. Have employees 18 or older use any available mechanical equipment such as lift assist devices, forklifts, and pallet jacks to help with lifting and transporting products.

• Before lifting, size up the load:
   
  • Wear gloves to prevent exposure to nails and slivers.
  • Use a hand cart if possible.
  • Get help with heavy loads.
  • See that the load is balanced and stable.
  • Do not lift a load that is too heavy, slippery, hot, or unevenly balanced.
  • Make sure you have a clear traveling path.
     

• Lifting:
   
  • Bring the load as close to you as possible before lifting. Avoid reaching across something to lift a load. This moves the load away from the body and increases your chance of injury.
  • Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Keep your head up, your back straight, and bend at your hips.
  • Shift your feet to turn; don't twist your body.
  • Keep the load directly in front of your body. Avoid reaching to the side and lifting while twisting.
  • Perform lifts at waist height, with the elbows in close to the body.
  • Avoid awkward postures while lifting such as reaching and twisting, or lateral or side bending.

• Lowering:

• Remember that body position when setting the load down is just as important as when picking the load up. Use your leg muscles to comfortably lower the load by bending your knees.
• Make certain that your fingers and toes are clear before setting the load down.

• Younger than 16 from loading or unloading goods on or off trucks, railcars, or conveyors;
  
  
• Under age 18 from operating hazardous equipment such as forklifts
  
  
• Under age 18 from operating paper balers or box compactors. Minors 16 years old and older are allowed to load but not operate or unload certain scrap paper balers and box compactors.