Team Lifting & Communicating Load Weight

Talking Points

1. 1 Team lift requires one leader to coordinate — they call the lift, the pace, and the set-down
2. 2 Before lifting: check how heavy it feels, check grip options, decide hand positions together
3. 3 The leader counts: "On three — one, two, three, lift" — both/all lift simultaneously
4. 4 During the lift: if your grip is slipping or the load is shifting — say STOP immediately, do not try to compensate alone
5. 5 Setting down: "Ready — lower on three — one, two, three" — lower together, do not drop one end before the other
6. 6 Uneven loads (ladder, beam, pipe): heavier end positioned closer to centre of team, or add a third person at the heavy end
7. 7 Communicate during movement — not just at lift and set-down. "Stepping left", "Slowing", "All good" — keep talking

Control Measures

• Team lift procedures included in manual handling training
• One person designated as lift leader on all team lifts involving 2 or more workers
• Standard call-out phrases established and used consistently
• If grip cannot be achieved safely by 2 people: use a mechanical aid or third person
• Load limits established — objects over 30kg require minimum 2-person lift