Posted By Paul Leadbetter Peter If someone is having to lift something from the floor by putting at least one hand under the load, they will have to get their back out of shape (unless they have unusually long arms). However, once the load is in motion, the lifter should straighten their back as soon as practicable. Paul

Posted By Ken Taylor Isn't it the argument that the human backbone is naturally curved and any attempt to lift with this out of its designed shape will be placing forces upon it that will tend to unequally compress the intervertebral discs and may lead to prolapse?

Posted By Nigel Hammond ROSPA advocate a more natural style of lifting - like a toddler - rather than the traditional squat with dead-straight back. They do this on their courses - but their posters still show the traditional lift! I play in a band in my spare time. Carrying gear is much easier and feels more natural using the ROSPA approach rather than using traditional manual handling techniques. I met an Osteopath MH trainer who slated the ROSPA method - I think mainly because he thought it lacked research and was competition for him! Another key difference with the ROSPA training was keeping both soles flat on the floor when lifting. Where-as the traditional method involves an awkward positioning of one foot on the ball of the foot and knee practically touching the floor. I havn't seen the latest info from the HSE but from what you say, it sounds like it might be influenced by ROSPA.