Lift heavy and large sacks in two stages using an intermediate platform.

When lifting, remember to:

• Straddle the end of the sack.
• Bend the hips and knees.
• Keep the back straight.
• Don't stoop.
• Grasp the bag with both hands under the end closest to you. Keep elbows inside the thighs.
• Lean forward and straighten the knees to set the bag upright.
• Move your feet closer to the sack.
• Squat with the sack between the thighs with one foot flat on the floor in front of the other.
• Grasp with elbow inside the thighs. With one hand clasp the sack against the body and the other hand is holding the bottom of the sack.
• Stand up in one smooth motion.
• Place the sack upright on the platform.
• Place one foot in front of the other with the front foot along side of the platform.
• Bend the hips and knees and keep the back straight.
• Put one shoulder against the sack.
• Readjust your grasp.
• Lean the sack on the shoulder.
• Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.
• Make sure your hands and feet are clear when putting the load down.

Bulkier sacks are easier to carry on your back. Lift onto your back from a platform as described above.

• Move the sack to the edge of the platform.
• Put your back against the sack.
• Grasp with both hands on the upper corners of the sack.
• Ease the sack onto the back, bending hips and knees before taking the weight.
• Keep the back straight.
• Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.
• Stabilize the sack.
• Move away without bending sideways.

• Position one person on either side of the sack.
• Squat with one foot balancing behind the sack.
• Keep back straight.
• Grasp with the outer and on the upper corner, the other holding the bottom of the sack.
• On one person's command:
• Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.
• Move towards the stack
• Put the sack on the stack