How do you stack blocks/bricks without hurting your back?

Question

I am helping to build a garage at the moment and I feel I am spraining my back by putting pressure on it when lifting moving the bricks. I try the whole ''bending your knees thing'' but I am not quite sure if that is working. Any help at all is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

if lifting concrete blocks, you should keep your back as straight as possible and squat down with your knees either side of the block, grabbing each edge with a good comfortable grip, and here is the trick...before you lift, look to make sure you are okay to lift, and lift your head up so your back straightens and look forward...now begin to lift with your legs, by standing straight up and pull the block in to your waist as you ascend...it should be all done as one fluid movement and if you feel it above your knees , then you are lifting correctly...

when you are stacking the blocks or moving them from one place to another it is vital that you walk each step properly and position yourself to place the block correctly. by bending the legs again and keep the back straight and place it at the last moment..NEVER pick up a block and keep your feet in the one position and then twist to stack the block...you will twist your spine and cause serious damage, that you can't fix...I have done many manual handling courses over the years and the most important thing to remember is ' lift and drop correctly, not quickly' it is better to take your time and do it right instead of rushing and damaging your back....be careful and you should be okay...

Answer 2

Day laborers :)

Failing that, a back support will help alleviate the strained feeling.
Just be careful, the feeling of support often causes people to work past their limits thinking that they're now impervious.

Then again, "bend at the knees" only lasts as long as your knees do :)

Answer 3

i don't know how you are carrying the bricks. if you are carrying by hand take only that which you feel is the right amount or if you are using a wheel barrow the same thing applies as with the hand carry also you should have a back brace on. simply listen to your body.

Answer 4

There are mechanical devices. Best way stop helping. My son went to Africa to help build a block church and he still has back problems, soit is not worth it. Let someone who is not prone to back problems do it.

Answer 5

Maybe you can have some one to help you and you two can carry the blocks together

Answer 6

ID get someone else to do it. You could buy a BACK belt. It will brace your back wont feel so bad.

Answer 7

carefully