by Lucas Hendriks 2008 Manual Handling – OH&S

by Lucas Hendriks 2008 What is manual handling? Manual handling is any activity involving the use of muscular force (or effort) to lift, move, push, pull, carry, hold or restrain any object, including a person or animal. It covers more the lifting heavy weights and affects more than the back. Manual handling also includes; Repetitive activity seen in assembly work; Repetitive activity seen in assembly work; Sustained muscle exertion required to restrain or support a load; and Sustained muscle exertion required to restrain or support a load; and The efforts needed to maintain the fixed ostures that occur in the back and neck, while typing. The efforts needed to maintain the fixed ostures that occur in the back and neck, while typing. Work should be designed to allow the majority of workers to safely carry out tasks. Work should be designed to allow the majority of workers to safely carry out tasks.

by Lucas Hendriks 2008 Reducing the risk in lifting and handling tasks Redesign the task and layout Redesign the task and layout Manual lifting and carrying of heavy loads should only be used as a last resort Manual lifting and carrying of heavy loads should only be used as a last resort Use mechanical assistance suited to the load and the task type. Types of assistance include: Use mechanical assistance suited to the load and the task type. Types of assistance include:  Material on a pallet can be moved by fork lift;  Patients may be moved in a hoist and, if electric beds are used, the patient can often position themselves.  Computers may be moved on a flat trolley, and  Bagged materials may be moved on a sack truck

by Lucas Hendriks 2008 Design the work area to reduce the need for workers to bend and stretch by using:  Adjustable height benches  Automatic doors to prevent the need to put a load down to open a door, and by  Storing materials at appropriate heights  Design the work flow to reduce the distances the loads have to be moved.  Keep heavy items at working height. Do not place them on the floor  Exchange the need for lifting to pushing, pulling or rolling suitable loads and using appropriate aids, such as roller tables, slide sheets, bale hooks and handles

by Lucas Hendriks 2008 Change the load Try to make the load as light or small as possible by purchasing smaller containers, such as single use dispensers of chemicals or 2okg bags of cement. Try to make the load as light or small as possible by purchasing smaller containers, such as single use dispensers of chemicals or 2okg bags of cement. Handle fewer items at one time e.g divide the load into several trips when unpacking Handle fewer items at one time e.g divide the load into several trips when unpacking Add handles to containers to improve the grip and stability of the load Add handles to containers to improve the grip and stability of the load If the object is unstable, hot, sharp or slippery, consider ways it can be contained or enclosed to reduce the risk. If the object is unstable, hot, sharp or slippery, consider ways it can be contained or enclosed to reduce the risk.

by Lucas Hendriks 2008 Stressful postures Stressful or awkward postures lead to workers using greater muscular efforts to do the tasks. Stressful or awkward postures lead to workers using greater muscular efforts to do the tasks. Stressful postures occur when joints perform tasks outside a straight and natural position. Stressful postures occur when joints perform tasks outside a straight and natural position. Examples include arms raised in front or to the sides, back, neck or wrists twisted, or head bent backwards. Examples include arms raised in front or to the sides, back, neck or wrists twisted, or head bent backwards. Stressful postures are not always harmful. They create a risk of injury when they are repeated frequently or held for long periods. Stressful postures are not always harmful. They create a risk of injury when they are repeated frequently or held for long periods. Working with awkward positions increases fatigue and discomfort. Working with awkward positions increases fatigue and discomfort. Muscles fatigue more quickly when held in a fixed position because blood flow is restricted when the muscle is tensed but not moving. Muscles fatigue more quickly when held in a fixed position because blood flow is restricted when the muscle is tensed but not moving. Stressful postures nearly always occur when worker shave to adapt to a work station which does not suit their size. Stressful postures nearly always occur when worker shave to adapt to a work station which does not suit their size.

by Lucas Hendriks 2008 Reducing the risks from stressful postures/ Redesign the work station and equipment Position tools and other work materials in front of the worker to reduce bending sideways and twisting. Position tools and other work materials in front of the worker to reduce bending sideways and twisting. Use adjustable working heights to suit the worker and the nature of the task Use adjustable working heights to suit the worker and the nature of the task Provide adequate knee and foot clearance so workers can come close to the load Provide adequate knee and foot clearance so workers can come close to the load Use swivel chairs and rotating turn tables rather than twisting the body Use swivel chairs and rotating turn tables rather than twisting the body Use an inclined work surface to reduce bending of the neck during reading, inspection or fine work Use an inclined work surface to reduce bending of the neck during reading, inspection or fine work Allow the workers the opportunity to sit or stand to vary the working position. Allow the workers the opportunity to sit or stand to vary the working position.