Heavy Lifting Advice for Van Hire in Bristol

We realise that in hiring one of our vans you are likely to be lifting and carrying heavy items and loads and we want to make sure you do so properly. Your safety is important to us because we want to ensure that your van hire experience is a positive one, and we want to make sure you are able to come back to us to hire a van again and again, rather than being laid up in a back brace.

Therefore, we will instruct you on the two main parts of moving heavy objects in and out of your hired van – heavy lifting and carrying your load. The correct heavy lifting techniques are very important, but they are also very easy to remember and follow when you know what they are. Firstly, before lifting a heavy object, make sure your footing is firm. Then, stand close to the item and centre yourself over it, with your feet shoulder width apart.

In this position, squat down and secure a firm hold of the item you are lifting. To start lifting, straighten your knees and rise up from the ground in a fluid motion. It is important to concentrate on keeping your back straight and to let your legs do the lifting; to do this tighten your stomach muscles as they will help support your back. 

Once you are straightened up, don’t twist or turn your body and keep your head up, looking straight ahead as this focus will help you keep your back straight. The most important part of heavy lifting is to always remember NEVER bend over to pick up something.

As you carry the heavy item, hold it close to your body, keeping it steady, and having your arms bent. The closer you can carry the item to yourself, the lighter it will feel. Keep your feet at shoulder width apart and take short steps, moving slowly to keep your balance and avoid obstacles. If you need to change direction while carrying the heavy item, turn your feet and when you are facing the right direction, start moving again.

If you have to rest, do, and when you set the item down, do it in the same way you picked it up – with your feet shoulder width apart, your stomach tightened, your back straight and in a fluid motion.

For more information about safely lifting and carrying the heavy items you are loading into your hired van, contact us now.