Lifting Strategies: Lifting from a Car Trunk

Various lifting in situations create challenges that need attention when you lift. The key is to familiarize yourself with the concepts of safe lifting including lifting with your legs, keeping your back in the power position, and avoiding twisting. Once you've got the concepts, you can apply them to every lifting situation you encounter. Practice and use good lifting technique when lifting from a car trunk.

How can I benefit by learning this skill?

Lifting items out of a car trunk challenges the "rules of lifting." The bumper often prevents you from bending your knees to lift. One way around this is to bend over at your waist and reach down to retrieve the item. But this can put your back in an unsafe position to lift. Protect your spine when lifting items out of the trunk by supporting your legs and by positioning your back in the power position.

How do I perform this skill?

In situations where it is impossible to bend your knees to lift, you must take special precautions. Get as close to the item as possible by supporting your knees against the car bumper. Bend at your hips, keeping your low back in the power position. Grasp the item firmly, and lift by extending your hips while keeping the slight inward curve in your low back. For heavier items, you may need to start by placing your knee on the bumper or the rim of the car trunk. Lean forward by bending your hips. Gather the item to your waist or onto your upper thigh. Then lift the item out of the trunk using your hip muscles. Keep your back in the neutral spine position.

Are there other recommendations I need to be aware of?

You need strong hip and back muscles to perform this lift safely.

What should I watch out for while doing this skill?

Getting a heavy item out of the trunk of a car can challenge safe lifting practices. So think twice before loading a heavy item into the trunk of your car. If you must get an item from the car trunk, only do it by yourself if you can keep your back in the power position. If not, get help.