If you do not feel as though you can safely lift a water bottle, don't do it. Ask your supervisor for help. Work planning is the key to any work involving the lifting of heavy objects including, of course, forty-pound water bottles. Another important element is the physical ability of the person to handle that heavy of an object. Lifting water bottles can lead to injury.
Supervisors are responsible to designate people authorized to lift water bottles onto water coolers.
Where necessary, supervisors should work with Facility Managers to develop a process that ensures capable people are available to lift the bottles onto the coolers. In some cases, two people may be necessary. Mechanical solutions have been suggested. One such is that offered by a manufacturer in which a relatively simple power lift system moves the bottle up and over into the receiving water cooler stand. Recommended Action Do not attempt to lift objects that exceed your ability.