MMH - Team Handling
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What is team handling?
Back to top"Team handling" occurs when more than one person is involved during the lift.
- Use team lifting and carrying where other solutions are inappropriate.
- Remember that the combined strength of the team is less than the sum of individual strength.
- Select team members of similar height and strength.
- Assign a leader to the team.
- Determine a set of commands to be used, such as "lift," "walk," "stop," and "down." Make sure that everyone knows what to do when they hear the command.
- Follow the commands given by the team leader.
- Practice team lifting and carrying together before attempting the task.
What should be done when lifting and carrying long objects as a team?
Back to top- Use a shoulder pad to reduce compression.
- Carry the load on the same shoulder. By doing so, if the load begins to fall, both workers can step out of the way safely.
- Walk in step. Note that if the load is flexible, walking out of step may help prevent the load from bouncing.
![Lifting and carrying long objects as a team](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/MMH130.gif)
What should be done when lifting and moving furniture as a team?
Back to top- Use straps.
- Adjust the length of the straps according to your height.
![Webbing to secure straps](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/MMH131.gif)
- Use webbing around straps to secure them from slipping off.
- Use dollies, furniture movers, or other platform trucks to assist in transport.
- Obtain assistance while loading a heavy object on the truck.
- Use your body weight to tilt the object.
- Place the lip of the truck under the object.
![Use your body weight to tilt the object](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/MMH132.gif)
- Secure the load with straps.
- Tip the truck back with assistance.
![Tip truck back with assistance](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/MMH133.gif)
- Move the load. The assisting person directs the movement.
![Assisting person directs the movement](https://www.ccohs.ca/images/oshanswers/MMH134.gif)
- Fact sheet last revised: 2023-07-11