DEFINED AS TRANSPORTING OR SUPPORTING OF A LOAD BY HANDS OR BODILY FORCE. Manual Handling

“any item or object which is being transported or supported, through human effort, from one location to another”. What is a load?

Good Lifting Techniques Prior planning prevents poor performance Before moving an object the employee must first plan and prepare to lift. Following these stages will help to minimise the chances of injury occurring from the operation.

Good Lifting Techniques Plan - Ask yourself:- Can I manage the load myself ? Do I have to lift it myself, or can I obtain mechanical assistance? Do I need the help of a team? Where does the load have to go?

Good Lifting Techniques Prepare Check any equipment you are going to use; Check the route you are going to use; Remove any obstructions from the route; Prepare the load - you may need to split it to make it smaller and lighter;

Good Lifting Techniques Prepare Do I need any PPE? Make sure that the team knows what they are doing and where they are going; Nominate a person to take charge; Once the employee has followed the above steps they are then ready to perform the task.

9 Rules for Safer Lifting

The Rules for Safer Lifting 1. STOP - think about the route you will take, and test the load before you lift. If you can, lift in stages, first onto one level and then onto another. Prepare your route, e.g. clear space, open doors etc… ?

The Rules for Safer Lifting 2. Spread your feet, with one in front of the other to create a wide stable base and maintain balance. Stand as close as possible to the object to be moved;

The Rules for Safer Lifting 3. Start in a good posture. Don’t over-flex the knees. Keep your back straight and your chin tucked in. Keep your shoulders level and in line with the hips. Keep your spine in neutral alignment.

The Rules for Safer Lifting 4. Grasp the load firmly. Hug the load, ideally with the heaviest side of the load next to your body and at waist height;

The Rules for Safer Lifting 5. Lift using your leg muscles and use smooth movements. 6. Raise your head as you start to lift; avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways. Look ahead. Once the load is held securely, don’t look down at it.

The Rules for Safer Lifting 7. Tuck your arms in to avoid straining your neck or shoulder muscles, and hold the load close to your body at waist height. 8. Don't block your view by carrying too large a load.

The Rules for Safer Lifting 9. Put the load down in the reverse order to how you picked it up.

Factors Affecting Manual Handling T ask I I ndividual L L oad E E nvironment

Manual handling (from the Health and & Safety Executive)

Manual handling

Factors associated with good layout