A TRAINING FOR THE METALWORKING INDUSTRIES MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIALS  Updated on June 2015

 Introduction  Risk management on manual handling  Hazards associated with manual handling  Common injuries & occupational diseases  Proper manual handling methodology  Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)  Job design to prevent injuries  Case study Table of Contents

 Manual handling is a common activity in most workplaces  It includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object  Injuries and musculoskeletal disorders affect the back, neck, shoulder, arms & hands  It can be prevented through a systemic approach of identification, assessment and control of risks associated with manual handling. Introduction

Occupational Diseases in Singapore Source: Ministry of Manpower

 Required to manage risks under WSH (Risk Management) regulations  Assess the risk  Take all reasonably practical steps  Eliminate any risks Risk Management on Manual Handling

 Step 1: Identification of hazard Risk Management on Manual Handling Picture source:

 Step 2: Assess the risk  Dependent on severity of risk and likelihood of hazards occurring  severity X likelihood = risk level  Risk Level = Low, Moderate or High Risk Management on Manual Handling

Rare (1) Remote (2) Occasional (3) Frequent (4) Almost Certain (5) Catastrophic (A)Medium High Major (B)Medium High Moderate (C)LowMedium High Minor (D)LowMedium Negligible (E)Low Medium

 Step 3: Select Measures to Control and Reduce Risk  Based on hierarchy of hazards control  1 st – Remove the hazard  2 nd – Guard the remaining hazards  3 rd – Mitigate impact of hazard Risk Management on Manual Handling

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Heavy  Lifting over 25kg load can result in back injury Picture source:

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Heavy

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Sharp  Potential Cuts on the fingers

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Odd shapes  Absence of grip to hold the load  Obstruction of walking view Picture source: Picture source:

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Toxic substances  Skin exposure to chemicals Coolant Lubricants Picture source: Picture source:

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Toxic substances  Exposure to chemical dust, fumes & vapours Picture source: Picture source:

Common Injuries From Manual Handling  Neck Strain Picture source:

Common Injuries From Manual Handling Picture source: Picture source:  Wrist Sprains  Back Sprains

 Shoulder pain  Upper back pain Picture source: Picture source: Common Injuries From Manual Handling

 Slips, trips and fall Picture source: Picture source: Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Picture source : Picture source:  Cuts Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling  Skin dermatitis Picture source:

Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling  Skin dermatitis Picture source:

Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling  Occupational respiratory & lung diseases Picture source: Picture source:

 Occupational eye diseases Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling Picture source:

Proper Manual Handling - Individual ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT WHILE LIFTING Step 1: Hold the load firmly Step 2: Keep the load close to you Step 3: Lift the load by pushing up your leg Step 4: Ensure your legs are stable before moving off

Proper Manual Handling - Individual  Lifting aids

Proper Manual Handling - Individual  Lifting aids

Proper Manual Handling - Individual  Lifting aids

 Team/buddy lifting Proper Manual Handling – Team Picture source:

 Team/buddy lifting Proper Manual Handling – Team Picture source:

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Are there any sharp or point edges?  Is it enough to prevent injuries or occupational diseases?  Does the PPE fit you correctly?  Does the PPE wear out easily?  Is it based on chemical properties of the substance?  Does it minimize contact with chemicals?  Is it easy to clean and maintain?

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Safety boots  Protective gloves  Helmets  Working apron or overalls  Goggles or safety glasses  Face mask or respirators Picture source:

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Safety boots Picture source: Picture source:

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Protective gloves Picture source: Picture source:

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Helmets Picture source: Picture source:

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Working apron or safety overalls Picture source: Picture source: Picture source:

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Goggles or safety glasses Picture source: Picture source: Picture source:

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling  Face mask or respirator Picture source: Picture source: Picture source:

Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries  Team handling for heavy or odd shape loads  Breaks to reduce muscular fatigue  Handlers job rotation between heavy and light activities  Rearrange workplace to reduce twisting, stretching & stooping

Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries  Keep heavy loads around waist level  Use of mechanical handling aid  Package heavy materials into smaller container Picture source: Picture source: CP 92 : 2002

Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries  Provide handles, hand grips or indents for loads  Loads to be free from dust, oil, corrosive deposits, sharp corners, jagged edges or rough surfaces Indents & Handles Picture source : Picture source :

Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries  Provide secondary containment for chemicals Picture source : Picture source :

Case Study The Case of Peter Peter injured his back while moving some large drums. He has previously suffered from back problems but felt that it was under control. His doctor had advised him not to lift anything above 20 kg but he had not passed this information to his boss. The injury was serious enough to land Peter in the hospital. Subsequently Peter was diagnosed with a torn disk. Peter admitted the drums were heavy, but wanted to have the job done. What should Peter have done? Picture source :

Summary of Key Points Hazards from manual handling Common injuries and occupational diseases Proper manual handling methods Use of PPE Job designs to prevent manual handling injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries and Occupational diseases is preventable Be proactive: it is up to US to prevent it

Thank You

References: 1.CP 92: 2002 Code of Practice for Manual Handling 2.Ministry of Manpower – Guidelines for Manual Handling 3.SS 437 : 1999 Part 2 : Specification for personal eye-protectors part 2 : selection, use and maintenance 4.SS 513 : 2005 Part 1 : Personal protective equipment – footwear. Part 1: Safety footwear 5.CP 74 : 1998 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protection devices

Appendix 1