Abstract: A load lifting accessory may be provided which is adapted to be affixed to the shaft of a shovel. The load lifting accessory comprises a bracket, a support arm, an extension member and a retractor arm. The bracket, which has a support arm pivotally attached thereto, is adapted to embrace the underside of the shaft of the shovel when the shovel is oriented in a normal shovelling position. The first end of the retractor arm is pivotally and slidably attached to the first end of the extension member, whereas the second end of the retractor arm is pivotally attached to one of the first and second side edges of the support arm. In an alternative embodiment, an actuator is used instead of an extension member. The purpose of the load lifting accessory is to relieve the user of severe vertebral and back muscle strains which are associated with shovelling.