Do not lift with a flexed spine. Lift with the lumbar spine extended.
Keep the load to be lifted as close to the body as possible. The further that the weight is from the body, the more effort has to expended in lifting it.
Lift with the knees, not with the back.
Ensure that there is good access to the load. If it is possible, split the load up into sections, or when lifting a patient, between lifters.
Practical tips for good handling techniques can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive website (1).
Reference:
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