Lifting & Body Mechanics
This is the recommended position for your knees when lifting a heavy object from the ground.
What is bent (squat/bend at the knees, not the waist)?
This is the term for adjusting your workstation or task to fit your body.
What is ergonomics?
These short exercises done before or during shift help warm up muscles and prevent injury.
What are stretches (stretch & flex)?
MSD stands for this.
What is Musculoskeletal Disorder?
This wheeled equipment should be used instead of carrying heavy items long distances.
What is a cart (hand truck/dolly)?
Instead of twisting your torso, you should do this with your feet when changing direction while carrying a load.
What is pivot/turn your whole body with your feet?
Working with your arms above this body part for extended periods increases MSD risk.
What is your shoulders (shoulder height)?
Instead of lifting a heavy item alone, you should do this.
What is ask for help / team lift?
Persistent lower back pain after repeated bending and lifting could be a warning sign of this type of injury.
What is a muscle strain / lumbar sprain (lower back MSD)?
You should adjust this piece of equipment to the correct height before starting work to avoid bending or reaching.
What is your workstation (scanner height, conveyor, table)?
This is the zone between your shoulders and knees where you should keep heavy items while carrying them.
What is the power zone (strike zone)?
This type of motion — doing the same movement over and over — is a major MSD risk factor.
What is repetitive motion?
Taking short breaks throughout your shift to rest your muscles is called this.
What are micro-breaks (rest breaks)?
Name two early warning signs that an MSD may be developing.
What are pain, soreness, stiffness, tingling, numbness, swelling, or reduced range of motion? (any two)
This portable platform with one or two steps is used to safely reach items on higher shelves instead of climbing on equipment or stretching overhead.
What is a step stool (step ladder)?
When lifting, you should keep the load this distance from your body.
What is as close to your body as possible?
Rotating between different tasks throughout your shift to reduce strain is called this.
What is job rotation (task rotation)?
Before lifting an item, you should do this to determine if you can handle it safely.
What is test the weight (check the weight first)?
This is the first thing you should do when you start feeling pain or discomfort during your shift.
What is report to AmCare / tell your manager immediately?
Before using any material handling equipment, you should always do this first.
What is a pre-use inspection (check for damage/defects)?
This part of your body should do the work when lifting — not your back.
What are your legs?
These three workplace risk factors are known as the "ergonomic triad" that contribute to MSDs.
What are force, repetition, and awkward posture?
This Amazon program allows you to report ergonomic concerns or discomfort before it becomes an injury.
What is reporting to AmCare / submitting a safety concern (early reporting)?
MSDs develop over time from repeated stress. This term describes injuries that build up gradually rather than from a single event.
What are cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) / repetitive strain injuries?
When a package is too heavy or awkward to lift manually, you should use this type of equipment or method to move it safely.
What is a team lift or mechanical aid (dolly, hand truck, pallet jack)?