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Employee Guidelines for Safer Carrying
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 Redesign the container
so it has handles, grips, or handholds.
Hold the container close
to the body.
Don't carry more than you can handle. To reduce the weight of the load, use a smaller container.
 Caution: be aware that gloves can reduce your grip strength up to 60 percent depending on the material they are made of and how many pairs you wear at once.
Wear proper size gloves that fit. Gloves with rubber dots on the surface can increase grip stability on slippery surfaces.
Increase the size of the bucket or pail handle with padding or a clamp-on handle.
Get co-worker assistance when necessary. Discuss your plan so that you do not have surprise movement.
 Use equipment to carry
materials whenever possible. If you must manually carry materials on your shoulder, reduce the weight
of the load and use a pad to provide a cushion.
Pinch grips involve grasping items with the thumb and the tips of the other fingers. Power grips
involve grasping items by wrapping all the fingers around an object. When grasping objects
(e.g., handles) with a diameter of 1.25 – 2 inches and a straight wrist, power grips can provide up
to 75% more strength compared with pinch grips.
Pad the shoulder. Support the container on one shoulder and alternate between shoulders.
Use a tool. 
This pot lifter makes carrying pots and other cylindrical containers easier. It replaces a pinch
grip with a power grip and a straight wrist. It also allows for an upright posture
(see Appendix E, page 64, University of California Agricultural Ergonomics Research Center, UC Davis).
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