Lifting

• Avoid excessive or sustained bending or unnatural postures. For example, use straps made out of a sheet or tablecloth to tie around the deceased person to use as handles for support when lifting.
• Avoid lifts directly from the floor level by using mechanical devices that allow objects to be brought to a safer level. A body lift with straps placed at the knees, shoulders and buttocks areas of a deceased person provide for support and allow for a safer transfer.
• Avoid twisting while lifting; turn with your whole body rather than turning with the torso alone.
• Position yourself as close as possible to the object to be lifted, transferred or manipulated.
• Use pushing, rather than pulling, actions whenever possible.
• Minimize forward and sideward reaches to below shoulder-level height. When moving a body onto the preparation table, move in vertical direction rather than from the side.
• Use two people on a removal.

• Arrange work areas to be within a direct field of vision.
• Limit the areas of frequent work to a semicircle within 10 inches of your body.
• Use tools that are task-specific and that distribute forces throughout the hand.
• Pad counter edges or use forearm supports to lessen the weight on the hand while performing hand-intensive work.
• Perform work sitting down if you can. Alternate standing tasks with sitting ones whenever possible.
• Use chairs with adjustable features and good back support.
• Wet the embalming table with water or liquid soap before moving the deceased off the cot. This provides a lubricated surface, which makes pushing and pulling easier.

• Arrange the work area so that you can work with your elbows at an angle of about 90 degrees.
• Keep the wrists as straight as possible while working.
• Avoid unnecessary repeated and rapid arm or hand movements.

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