Material Handling: Proper Lifting Techniques – Training Course

Material Handling: Proper Lifting Techniques is a practical training program that teaches employees how to lift, move, and handle materials safely to prevent back injuries and improve workplace efficiency.

Lifting injuries are among the most common workplace incidents—and in most cases, they are preventable. Poor body mechanics, awkward loads, and unsafe work environments can quickly lead to strains, sprains, or long-term musculoskeletal issues. This course provides clear, step-by-step guidance on how to reduce these risks through proper technique and planning.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of safe lifting, including how to assess loads, maintain proper posture, and avoid hazardous movements such as twisting or overreaching. The training also introduces basic biomechanics to help learners understand how the body works during lifting and why certain techniques are safer than others.

By reinforcing safe habits and awareness, this course helps reduce injuries, improve productivity, and support a safer workplace.

Training Objectives

• Identify risks associated with reaching, bending, and twisting during lifting
• Understand how poor body mechanics contribute to injury
• Recognize hazards related to task design and workstation setup
• Address risks from repetitive lifting and handling of awkward loads
• Identify environmental factors such as poor footing and constrained posture

Course Overview

Improper lifting techniques can lead to serious injuries that impact both employees and operations. This course provides essential training on how to safely handle materials in a variety of workplace environments.

Learners will explore how to plan a lift by evaluating factors such as weight, distance, and grip. The program then walks through proper lifting techniques, emphasizing posture, balance, and using leg strength instead of placing strain on the back.

In addition, participants will learn how to recognize early signs of back injury and respond appropriately. The course also highlights how workplace conditions—such as slippery floors or limited space—can increase risk and how to adapt safely.

Aligned with NIOSH guidelines and OSHA standards, this training equips employees with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent lifting-related injuries and maintain a safe work environment.

This program is available with Spanish and French closed captions.

Compliance Standards & Regulations

This course references the following standards:

• NIOSH Guidelines
• 29 CFR 1910.176
• 29 CFR 1926.958
• OSHA General Duty Clause (29 USC 654 Section 5(a)(1))

Key Benefits

• Reduces risk of back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders
• Improves lifting techniques and body mechanics
• Enhances hazard awareness in material handling tasks
• Supports OSHA and NIOSH safety guidelines
• Promotes safer, more efficient workplace practices

Course Details

• Course Length: 13 minutes
• Language(s): English, Spanish, French
• Includes a downloadable participant guide
• Streaming video included with license
• Compatible with your LMS or accessible via our partners’ LMS platforms
• Year Produced: 2023

Video Streaming Options:

• Upload video file to your internal LMS
• Access course via hosted platform

Pricing

Flexible pricing based on your team size. Licenses are available for teams of all sizes, starting at up to 10 users.

• Up to 10 users — $595
• Up to 150 users — $1,295
• Up to 200 users — $1,895
• Up to 250 users — $2,895
• Up to 300 users — $7,995

For teams with over 300 learners, please contact us for a custom quote.