tulane university - office of environmental health & safety (oehs) manual handling & safe...

Tulane University - Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

Manual Handling & Safe Lifting

For Tulane University Departmental Safety Representatives (DSRs)

July 2008

Training Content• Introduction• Overall Objective• Manual Handling• Back Stats and Facts• Why Back Injury Occurs• Common Causes of Injury• Prevention• Proper Lifting Techniques• Body Management• Conclusions


Overall Objectives

• Provide sufficient understanding and knowledge of manual handling, the risks involved and the control measures available.

• Reduce lost working days through injury.

• Protect the back, one of the most important parts of the body.


Manual HandlingManual handling refers to any activity requiring a person to use any part of their muscular or skeletal

system in their interactions with their work environment.

• It includes the following activities:– Lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or

moving

CarryingLifting Pushing Pulling


• Several major body parts, the hands, wrists, shoulders, and neck, are affected by force, awkward posture, and repetitive motion due to manual handing operations.

• The one part of the body that is of particular interest for this training and is particularly vulnerable to manual handling injuries is the back. To prevent back injuries lets get a better understanding of it, how it’s affected, and factors that may contribute to its injury.

Manual Handling


Back Stats• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics sprains

and strains was the leading nature of injury and illness in every major industry sector in 2005.

• The part of the body most affected by work incidents was the trunk, including the shoulder and back. This accounted for 35 percent of all cases.

• While overall injuries to the trunk decreased by 4 percent from 2004, of the injuries or illnesses to the trunk, those involving the back accounted for 63 percent.

Reference: http://stats.bls.gov/news.release/archives/osh2_11172006.pdf


http://stats.bls.gov/news.release/archives/osh2_11172006.pdf

Back Facts• Back injuries cause loss of work and cost billions of

dollars per year• According to the Centers for Disease Control, low back

pain occurs with the same frequency in people with sedentary occupations as those in heavy labor occupations.

• The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has established that while an individual may experience back problems due to lifting, there are non-occupational factors, including the individual’s physical fitness level, strength, and posture are oftentimes associated with back injuries.


• The spine’s vertebrae are held together by ligaments.

• Muscles are attached to the vertebrae by bands of tissue called tendons.

• Between each vertebra is a cushion known as a disc.

Why Back Injury Occurs


• The lower part of the back holds most of the body’s weight.

• Every time you bend over, lift a heavy object, or sit leaning forward, you put stress on your spine.

• Over time, the discs between your vertebrae can start to wear out and become damaged.



The forces involved:

• Every time you bend or lean over to pick something up, you put tremendous pressure on your lower back…



The forces involved:

• Think of your back as a lever. With the fulcrum in the center of the lever, how many pounds would it take to lift a 10 pound object?

5 pounds10 pounds15 pounds



You’re right!

It takes 10 pounds of pressure to lift a 10 pound object.

Will it take more or less force to lift the same 10 pound object with the fulcrum shifted to one side?



You’re right!

With the fulcrum shifted away from the object, it takes more force to lift the object.

The human back operates on a 10:1 ratio, with the waist acting as the fulcrum.



When you add in the 105 pounds of the average human upper torso, lifting a 10 pound object puts 1,150 pounds of pressure on the human back.



If you were 25 pounds overweight, it would put an additional 250 pounds of pressure on your back every time you bend over.



Now it’s easy to see how repetitive bending and lifting can quickly cause back problems.

Even leaning forward while sitting at a desk or table can eventually cause damage and pain.



Common Causes of InjuryTwisting at the waist while lifting or

holding a heavy load…


Common Causes of InjuryReaching and lifting over your head,

across large area, or over . . . .


Common Causes of Injury

Lifting or carrying objects with awkward

or odd shapes….



Working in awkward, uncomfortable

positions…



Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time…


Common Causes of InjuryHeavy lifting and repetitive motion activities…




Stress -Tense muscles are more susceptible to strains and spasms.


“Overdoing It”

Don't be afraid to say, "This is too heavy for me to lift alone." It's important to recognize your own physical limitations and abilities. Many people have injured their backs because they were afraid to ask for help.


Common Causes of Injuries

Poor physical condition

Your stomach muscles provide a lot of the support needed by your back. If you have weak, flabby stomach muscles, and are overweight your back may not get all the support it needs, especially when you're lifting or carrying heavy objects. Good physical condition in general is important for preventing strains, sprains, and other injuries.


Prevention

The best way to prevent back injuries is to develop habits that reduce the strain placed on the back.

There are some basic things you can do to help.


• Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can.

Place objects up off the floor.

That way you won’t have to reach down to pick them up again.

Raise / lower shelves.

Prevention


Prevention

The best zone for lifting is between your shoulders and your waist.

Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves.


Prevention

Use carts and dollies to move objects, instead of carrying them yourself.


• Assess the situation before lifting and carrying a heavy object.– How far will you have to carry the load? – Is the way clear of clutter, cords, slippery areas,

overhangs, stairs, curbs, or uneven surfaces? – Will there be doors that are closed? Ask someone to

hold a door open or place a wedge under the door to hold it open.

– Once you get the load up, will you be able to see over the load, or will the load block your view?

– Can the load be disassembled, carried in pieces, then reassembled?

Proper Lifting


Proper LiftingFollow these steps when lifting:

Take a few moments to "size up the load." Test the weight by lifting a corner of the object. If it is too heavy or if the object is an odd shape, STOP!

Start the lift by putting your feet close to the object. Get a firm footing.

Center your body over your feet.

Bending your knees, keep your back straight or slightly arched, while letting your legs to do the lifting, not your back.

Grasp the load securely with your hands, and pull the load close to you.

Smoothly lift straight up. Avoid twisting.


Proper Lifting

As you carry the load: Keep your back straight or

slightly arched.

Walk slowly and surely.

Use your feet to change directions. Never twist your back.

Avoid leaning over.

Avoid lifting a load over your head.

If you become tired, set the load down, and rest for a few moments.


Setting the Load DownSetting the load down is the reverse of lifting.

Position yourself where you want to set the load.

Squat down. Let your legs to do the work, not your back.

Avoid twisting

Once the load is where you want it, release your grip. Never release your grip on a load until it is secure. You don't want to drop a load on your foot. Or, if someone is helping you, dropping a load unexpectedly can injure the other person.


It's important to know your body's limitations, and it's important to be aware of your body position at all times.

Learn to recognize those situations where your back is most a risk: bending, lifting, reaching, twisting, etc.

Then take measures to avoid an injury.

Management tips include: Stretch first, slow down, rest your back, sleep on a firm mattress, get in shape.

Body Management


Remember

• Practicing good lifting technique does not enable you to lift more than you could before. It means that, whatever your individual capabilities, your chances of injury are reduced.

• Good technique is just one of a number of control measures, within the hierarchy of control, that the employer has to put in place to reduce manual handling risks.

• Management of the body can help to reduce the amount of strain to the back.


In Conclusion

Manual handling activities which include pulling, pushing, carrying, and lifting can lead to injury of the body, especially the back. Thus, – Know your own limits.– Avoid lifting if possible or use devices to assist with

lifting.– Practice safe lifting techniques-put training into action

at work as well as home. Prevent injury by developing habits that reduce the strain placed on the back.

– Manage and maintain a fit, healthy body.– Immediately report any injury to your supervisor.


Tulane UniversityOffice of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)

www.som.tulane.edu/oehs Kim Chapital, Manager, Occupational Health

(504) 988-2870 / [email protected]

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tulane university - office of environmental health & safety (oehs) manual handling & safe...

Documents

manual handling injuries

objective manual handling

knowledge of manual

overall injuries

manual handing operations

major body parts

injuries cause loss

leading nature of injury