Manual Handling The Robinson Services Training ethos   “Training Matters in pursuit of excellence” ethos - the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations.

Introduction Manual handling is the transporting or supporting of a load by hands or bodily force including: Lifting Carrying Putting down Pushing Pulling Moving Supporting

Introduction No safe manual handling activity No safe weight

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 Employers responsibilities Avoid handling where possible Conduct assessment Take steps to reduce risks Provide load information Employees responsibilities Make proper use of equipment & follow safe working systems Co-operate with their employer Ensure others are not put at risk

The importance of correct manual handling 60% suffer back pain annually 30% become chronic sufferers 60 million working days lost in 1999 230,000 off work EVERY day 50 % of problems are to do with the back Source HSE Guidance and DSS

Common manual handling injuries Disc injuries Ligaments and tendon injuries Trapped nerves Muscular injuries Fractures, abrasions and cuts Hernias

Structure of the Spine Nerves: - Provide energy to make muscles work

Structure of the Spine Discs : - Jelly-like centre surrounded by tough rubber-like bands attached to bones Allow flexibility Act as shock absorbers

Intervertebral disc Healthy Disc

Intervertebral disc Central Prolapse

Intervertebral disc Early Prolapse Near Rupture

Intervertebral disc Full Prolapse Rupture

What can you lift ? your personal physique It will vary according to: your personal physique your age, fitness and experience the task the nature of the load working environment

Modifying the workplace layout can affect the workers’ postures.

Mechanical handling equipment

Modify the load: repackage to reduce weight

Kinetic lifting techniques How not to do it!

Kinetic lifting techniques One Person Lift Determine the weight Look for sharp edges See if weight is evenly distributed Keep heaviest side to body Decide how to hold the load If it is too heavy use a mechanical aid or get assistance

Kinetic lifting techniques Comfortably apart and level with your shoulders One foot positioned in direction of movement Other foot where it can give maximum thrust to the body Correct Positioning of Feet

Kinetic lifting techniques Straight Back Lower the body by relaxing the knees Keep your back straight (but not vertical) Keep load close to body Keep chin in and head back

Kinetic lifting techniques If lifting from ground make maximum use of legs Keep back straight but inclined forward As lift proceeds and the legs are straightened the back returns to vertical position

Kinetic lifting techniques Correct Grip Take a firm grip by using the palms of the hands and roots of fingers Taking weight on finger tips will create pressure at the end of fingers and could strain muscles and tendons in the arms full palm grip will reduce muscle stress to the arms and decrease the possibility of the load slipping

Kinetic lifting techniques Carrying the Load Make sure you can see where you are going Avoid twisting the body move your feet instead If you need to change your grip – set the load down – not whilst walking Use the correct stance for lifting and set the load down gently 11/10/2018

Kinetic lifting techniques Two Person Lift Decide who will be caller Assess the weight Correct positioning of feet Straight back Correct grip Lift together The caller co-ordinates the lift and ensures each lifter knows what to do and when

Kinetic lifting techniques Plan the route, the lift and the set down point Position your feet - bent knees, straight back Firm grip, lift smoothly, Move the feet – do not twist body Keep the load close to the body Put down smoothly – then adjust for final position

…and finally This course has merely provided you with information on manual handling and how to conduct a manual handling risk assessment. You will only protect your back and yourself if you practice the techniques learnt today. Manual handling injuries can and do effect your quality of life

Questions? The Robinson Services Training ethos “Training Matters in pursuit of excellence” ethos - the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations.