You need to lift a heavy sack of mail. What is the safest technique?

SAFE LIFTING is central to the mail handler role, which involves heavy physical work. Proper technique: bend at the KNEES (not the waist), keep your BACK STRAIGHT, hold the load CLOSE to your body, and lift with your LEGS; for very heavy or awkward loads, get HELP or use equipment (carts, lifts). Bending at the waist, lifting with the back, or twisting while lifting cause back injuries — the most common mail handler injury. The 475 VEA heavily emphasizes safe lifting and material handling; proper body mechanics prevent the injuries that end postal careers and are a core expectation of the role.