TOOL BOX TALKS Manual Handling This toolbox talk is designed for organisations who do not undertake manual handling of people or complex manual handling activities such in some ADEs. That is organisations or staff who are performing office based work mainly. Where the manual handling risk is greater then regular training from a qualified instructor with practical involvement of staff is recommended.

What is Manual Handling Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any object or person. Discuss the types of activities this may include with staff.

Manual Handling About 32% of workplace injuries are caused by manual handling Injuries usually involve the back, neck or shoulders Injuries are caused any sudden movements as well handling something heavy or wear and tear from repetitive work

Why Hazardous High force – lifting something really heavy, pushing a heavy trolley, straining Unsafe awkward posture – bending/twisting Sustained work – holding a heavy item for some time Repetitive work – using the same muscles, tendons, ligaments over and over Unstable/unbalanced loads which may be difficult to grasp Discuss Manual handling hazards in your organisation and how to overcome them.

Spinal structure and posture There are 4 main curves in the spine Cervical (inward) Thoracic (outward) Lumbar (inward) Sacral (outward) Discuss the fact that if you move the spine away from the normal, natural curves pressure is placed on the spine even if you do no lifting. It is therefore important to lift close to the body and avoid lifting from the ground when possible.

Structure and function of spine Function: support body in an upright posture, and protect the spinal cord Structure: Vertebrae (body segments Discs (cushion the vertebrae, act as shock absorber) Spinal cord (nerves) Discs and supporting muscles/ligaments are placed under strain with any forward or sideways bending which can result in wear and tear and potential injury if you then add a weight

Organisation Manual Handling Policy and Safe Work Practices for specific tasks Include relevant information and/or review developed safe work practices here.

Safe Lifting Zone Avoid lifting above here Most desirable range Avoid lifting below here Look at storage areas – only light items should be above shoulders or below knees.

Practical Strategies to reduce risk of injury Plan ahead – complete risk assessment Don’t rush Use lifting equipment Seek assistance Avoid twisting by moving your feet Stretch/warm up prior to manual handling If an unusual or unfamiliar task take a step back and think about how to do it safely Maintain natural curves posture Keep close to the task/load and face it Use safe lifting techniques Always advise people with pre-existing injuries to adjust for injury and seek advice from medical practitioner. Discuss any other relevant strategies.

Safe Lifting Technique - object Size up the load Move as close to the load as possible Position your feet apart under the shoulders(stable base) Brace abdominals(core muscles) and shoulders Incline trunk forward, hips and knees bent, push bottom backwards so shoulders are over the centre of gravity of the load Test the weight of the load – is it safe to lift? Keep load close to body and keep head and chest up Straighten up by extending hips and knees Change direction with your feet – avoid twisting Always advise people with pre-existing injuries to adjust for injury and seek advice from medical practitioner