Manual Handling

What is manual handling? Manual Handling is….. Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to: Lift Lower Push Pull Or otherwise: Move Hold Restrain

Lifting children and objects Moving things off the ground Holding children or objects Pushing or pulling objects When does this occur in Child Care?

Responsibilities for manual handling Employer Ensuring that work practices, equipment and the working environment are designed to prevent manual handling injury Identify manual handling tasks that could lead to injury Assess these tasks in consultation with employees Establish effective control measures

Responsibilities for manual handling Employees Comply with workplace policies Use correct manual handling techniques and equipment Perform day to day care of equipment provided for manual handling Report any hazards, faulty equipment or injury

What are the risk factors in Child Care? Movement and action Posture Equipment used Duration and frequency Aspects of the work environment

Risk identification, assessment & control Identification of risk factors Analyse the injury records kept by the centre Informal discussions with staff Direct observations of tasks Safety walk to identify risk factors

Risk identification, assessment & control Assessment of risk factors Individuals capabilities should be assessed and designed to meet each individual Eliminate risks faced by new and expectant mothers at work- bending, lifting and back strain Lifting and handling children General duties

Risk identification, assessment & control Risk Control Redesign manual handling task to eliminate or control risk factors Ensure employees involved in manual handling receive training Provide personal protective equipment and personnel for team lifting

Types of manual handling injuries Slow onset injuries may result from: Continuous handling of heavy loads Heavy physical work Frequent bending or twisting Static postures including sitting Repetitive work Vibration Poor physical fitness Fatigue

Types of manual handling injuries Sudden onset injuries may result from: Slips and trips Objects falling during handling Unexpected peak physical loads, such as unexpected jerking or uncontrolled movement of load

Steps to prevent a manual handling injury Stretch your back, neck, ankles, knees when you begin work Think do I really have to lift this child or object? Kneel rather than bend down Do not simply bend over to pick up a child or object Carry children only when necessary

Steps to prevent a manual handling injury Avoid carrying children on your hips When lifting children out of cots lean close against the cot and raise the child as close as possible to your body Do not sit on child sized chairs Never stretch over while lifting Ask for assistance to lift heavy/or awkward objects

Steps to prevent a manual handling injury Ensure you have a clear area to lift in and that you have a clear line of vision When sliding, pulling or pushing equipment e.g. trestle Re arrange surroundings of Child Care Centre to meet the needs of both the children and the adults

Use equipment that can be moved around easily and comfortably as possibly When lifting awkward loads be careful to lift with a balanced and comfortable posture Steps to prevent a manual handling injury

Safe lifting technique Plan the lift Assess the weight of the child/ object to be lifted Place feet in a striding position Keep breast bone elevated Bend knees, putting one knee on or close to the ground

Brace stomach muscles Hold child / object close to your centre of gravity Move your feet, not your spine to stand up with the child/ object Prepare to move forward Safe lifting technique

An injury free environment is a happy environment