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 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