OHS Awareness NSW Taxi Operators - NSW Taxi Industry

4. Safe Lifting
Back injuries are unfortunately one of the most common forms of workplace injury.
As a taxi driver you are involved in long periods of sitting and in sometimes stressful
situations. This is not good for your back so try to stand up as often as you can and do
gentle stretches.
One major source of back injuries is lifting incorrectly. As a taxi driver you often have to lift
heavy luggage. Some useful tips are:
Never twist as you lift or carry, always turn your whole body
Never attempt to lift a load that is too heavy or too large, always test the weight of
the load before lifting, sometimes a suitcase may be overweight and you cannot tell
just by looking at it! If needed get assistance for heavy loads.
Always lift loads close to your body, never with your arms stretched out as this puts
more strain on you (There is a saying “Lift like a forklift not like a crane” which is
useful advice as to how you should position your arms).
Never jerk loads, always lift smoothly
Always keep a straight back, bend your knees not your back when lifting
Exercise properly to keep fit
Try to avoid putting on too much body weight as this puts extra strain on your back
Always seek professional health advice from qualified professionals if you have any
back problems. Chiropractors specialise in back problems.
If required, seek professional training and advice on your lifting
Note that for Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Service (WATS) drivers the Taxicare WATS
Training Course provides specific practical information on safely maneuvering passengers
in wheelchairs.
OHS Awareness for NSW Taxi Operators: Information Guide
NSW Taxi Industry Association Page 59