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Dumping a Wheelbarrow - Prevent Back Injury

By , About.com Guide

Updated August 30, 2007

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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
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.

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