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Dumping a Wheelbarrow - Prevent Back Injury

From Anne Asher,
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Bend Down

Bend down to grasp the weight of the wheelbarrow from underneath.
Bend down to grasp the weight of the wheelbarrow from underneath.
(c) Anne Asher 2007 Licensed to About.com
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When your garden wheelbarrow is loaded with soil or other contents, and it is time to dump it out, play it smart by bending from the hips and knees before you lift. Don't use your spine for this. When you bend from the hips, you have the advantage of using very strong muscles to lift the load. By comparison, back muscles are much weaker; the structures of the spine is vulnerable to strain and injury.

Bending down will allow you to pick up the wheelbarrow from underneath, which is more efficient and will give you more leverage.

  1. Bend Down
  2. Switch Your Grip
  3. Begin to Straighten Up
  4. Empty the Wheelbarrow
  5. Prevent Back Injury When You Use a Wheelbarrow - The Key

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Updated: August 30, 2007
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