Manual Handling

Handling Activities that Present a Risk

• How do you know if there a risk of injury ?

– Matter of your judgement

• Tend to be unpopular, difficult or arduous operations.

• Main Area’s of risk are :

• Repetitive and heavy lifting

• Bending and twisting

• Uncomfortable working position

• Exerting too much force

• Working too long without breaks

• Adverse working environment

The Task

• Risks caused by the task may be as follows :

– Loads held away from the body

– Incorrect posture (especially when lifting and lowering loads)

– Excessive twisting and turning of body

– Not allowing sufficient time for the body to rest

– Excessive carrying or lifting distances

– Incorrect team handling especially between unequal partners.

The Load

• In addition to the obvious risk presented by the weight of the load, other risks may be as follows :

– Bulky or unwieldy loads

– Loads which are difficult to grasp

– Unstable loads

– Loads with sharp edges

– Loads which are inherently dangerous

• Contain corrosive substances

• Are extremely hot / cold

The Working Environment

• The following hazards may be seen in the workplace :

– Wet and slippery floor surfaces

– Variations in floor level

– Low headroom (causing poor posture)

– Excessive heat or cold

– Draughts and high ventilation rates.

Individual Capability

• Allowances should be made for :

– Age – ability to bear weights declines with age, increasingly so in a person’s 50s and 60s

– Gender – Women are not judged to have the same weight bearing capacity as men and can be particularly susceptible to injury during pregnancy.

– Previous injuries or known medical complaints.

Good Handling Techniques

STOP AND THINK

POSITION YOUR FEET

ADOPT A GOOD POSTURE

GET A FIRM GRIP

KEEP CLOSE TO THE LOAD

LIFT SMOOTHLY

MOVE THE FEET

PUT DOWN, THEN ADJUST

Stop and Think

• Plan the lift. • Where is the load going to be placed?• Use appropriate handling aids if possible.• Do you need help with the load?

• Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials.

• For a long lift - such as floor to shoulder height - consider resting the load mid-way on a table or bench to change grip.

Place the Feet• Have the feet apart, giving a balanced and stable

base for lifting.• Have the leading leg as far forward as is

comfortable.

Good Handling Techniques

STOP AND THINK

POSITION YOUR FEET

ADOPT A GOOD POSTURE

GET A FIRM GRIP

KEEP CLOSE TO THE LOAD

LIFT SMOOTHLY

MOVE THE FEET

PUT DOWN, THEN ADJUST

Get a Firm Grip

• Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs.

• The optimum position and nature of the grip depends on the circumstance and individual preference, but it must be secure.

• A hook grip is less fatiguing than keeping the fingers straight (Palm/Power)

• If it is necessary to vary the grip as the lift proceeds, do this as smoothly as possible.

Lift Smoothly

• Carry out the lifting movement smoothly, raising the chin as the lift begins,

• keeping control of the load.

Good Handling Techniques

STOP AND THINK

POSITION YOUR FEET

ADOPT A GOOD POSTURE

GET A FIRM GRIP

KEEP CLOSE TO THE LOAD

LIFT SMOOTHLY

MOVE THE FEET

PUT DOWN, THEN ADJUST

Move the Feet

• Don’t twist the trunk when turning to side.

Put Down - Then Adjust

• If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into the desired position.

Keep Close to the Load

• Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible.• Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the trunk.• If a close approach to the load is not possible, try

sliding it towards you before lifting.

Reducing the Risk - Task

Can you :-

– Reduce the amount of twisting and stooping ?

– Avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height ?

– Reduce carrying distances ?

– Avoid repetitive handling ?

– Vary the work, allowing one set of muscles to rest while another is used ?

– Use two person / team lifting ?

If you do have to lift or lower from above shoulder height

• Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible.

• Push up on the load to see how heavy and stable it is.

• Slide the load as close to yourself as possible before lifting.

• Grip firmly and slide it down.

• Get help when you need it to avoid injury.

Lifting from hard to reach places

• Get as close to the load as possible.

• Maintain your back’s natural curves, and keep stomach muscles tight.

• Push buttocks out behind you.

• Bend your knees.

• Use leg, stomach and buttock muscles to lift - not your back.

Two Person Lifts & Team Lifts

• Work best when :-

– People are about the same height.

– One person is in charge of saying when to move and where.

– You lift and raise at the same time.

– You keep the load at the same level while carrying it

– You move smoothly together.

– You unload at the same time.

Reducing the Risk – Load.

• Can you make the load :

– Lighter or less bulky ?

– Easier to grasp ?

– More stable ?

– Less damaging to hold ?

• .

Lifting Awkward Objects

• Bend your knees with feet spread.

• Grip the top outside and bottom inside corners.

• Use your legs to lift, keeping your back straight.

Reducing the Risk – Environment.

• Can you :

– Remove obstructions to free movement ?

– Provide better flooring ?

– Avoid steps and steep ramps ?

– Prevent extremes of hot and cold ?

– Improve lighting ?

– Consider less restrictive clothing or personal protective equipment ?

Final Message

If a load is too big or too heavy to carry without

strain, GET HELP!

.

DON’T GET HURT BEING A HERODON’T GET HURT BEING A HERO

Manual Handling in the Workplace

• What types of manual handling do you carry out in your workplace ?

– Then think about Do’s – What you do to make sure this operation is done safely.

– and Don’ts – What you must ensure is not done, so that health and safety is not compromised.

Adapted with the permission of Rachel Valentine, STDU The University of Manchester