Tragweise

Tragweise is a term used in ergonomics and manual handling to describe the manner in which a load is carried to optimize safety, efficiency, and comfort. The word is derived from the German tragen, meaning "to carry," and Weise, meaning "manner" or "way." In professional practice, tragweisen covers posture, grip, alignment, and movement patterns used during lifting, carrying, or transporting objects.

Applications and contexts include warehouses, hospitals, and other industrial settings where workers repeatedly handle loads. Trainers typically teach several tragweisen such as the hip hinge lift, the squat lift, and the close-to-body carry. The choice among tragweisen depends on load characteristics (weight, shape, and bulk) and environmental constraints (space, floor conditions, and available assistive devices).

Benefits and safety considerations emphasize reducing spinal load, improving balance, and lowering the risk of acute injuries. Training often highlights maintaining a neutral spine, keeping the load close to the body, widening the base of support, and avoiding twisting during movement. Proper tragweisen also involve planning the route, using helps or teammates when needed, and adjusting technique for fatigue.

History and status: the term gained visibility with the development of formal manual-handling guidelines in the late 20th century. While not universally used as a formal term in all regions, tragweisen appears in several safety manuals and ergonomic texts as a descriptive label for handling practices.

See also: manual handling, lifting technique, ergonomics, workplace safety.