Lifting Strategies: Loading and Unloading a Clothes Dryer

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 loading and unloading a clothes dryer.

How can I benefit by learning this skill?

Getting clothes in and out of a dryer poses challenges to safe lifting. Wet clothes are heavy. And a large load requires repeated motions to get items in and out of the dryer. Using the concepts of safe lifting can help protect your spine when loading and unloading a clothes dryer.

How do I perform this skill?

Place washed items into a clothes basket. Use good technique as you place the basket on the floor next to the dryer. To avoid twisting your back, bend down so that you are facing the front of the dryer. Kneeling on one knee is easiest. Bend from your hips to keep your back in the power position when placing items from the basket into the dryer. Reverse this order when removing items from the dryer.

Are there other recommendations I need to be aware of?

Practice hinging forward and back while in a half-kneeling position. Use good technique when loading and unloading a clothes dryer.

What should I watch out for while doing this skill?

It may seem easiest to simply lean sideways to load or unload the dryer. Take the time needed to position your back and to move and lift safely. Your efforts help protect your spine in challenging situations like loading or unloading a clothes dryer.