Safe lifting

Back injuries are unfortunately one of the most common forms of workplace injury. As a taxi driver you are involved in long periods of sitting and in sometimes stressful situations. This is not good for your back so try to stand up as often as you can and do gentle stretches.

One major source of back injuries is lifting incorrectly. As a taxi driver you often have to lift heavy luggage.

Some useful tips are:

• Never twist as you lift or carry, always turn your whole body
• Never attempt to lift a too heavy load, always get assistance
• Always lift loads close to your body, never with your arms stretched out as this puts more strain on you (There is a saying "Lift like a forklift not like a crane" which is useful advice as to how you should position your arms)
• Never jerk loads, always lift smoothly
• Always keep a straight back, bend your knees not your back when lifting
• Exercise properly to keep fit
• Try to avoid putting on too much body weight as this puts extra strain on your back
• Always seek professional health advice from qualified professionals if you have any back problems. Chiropractors specialise in back problems
• If required, seek professional training and advice on your lifting.