Lifting manhole lids safely

Greetings. 

I am trying to think of a safe way to lift storm and sewer manholes to obtain inverts.  For decades I'd use a pick, with great success.  Unfortunately, at my "stage" in life, I cannot safely pull them without incurring severe sciatica.   (hiring a youngster is not an option)    I was hoping someone may have ideas about using a jack, to jack up one side then slide it part way off, to get the inverts ? 

Any ideas would be very helpful.   (I'll also take volunteers)  ha ha 

Thank you very much 

"Good"