1. TOOL BOX TALKS Manual Handling
This toolbox talk is designed for organisations who do not undertake manual handling of people or complex manual handling activities such in some ADEs. That is organisations or staff who are performing office based work mainly. Where the manual handling risk is greater then regular training from a qualified instructor with practical involvement of staff is recommended.

2. What is Manual Handling
Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any object or person.
Discuss the types of activities this may include with staff.

3. Manual Handling
About 32% of workplace injuries are caused by manual handling
Injuries usually involve the back, neck or shoulders
Injuries are caused any sudden movements as well handling something heavy or wear and tear from repetitive work

4. Why Hazardous
High force – lifting something really heavy, pushing a heavy trolley, straining
Unsafe awkward posture – bending/twisting
Sustained work – holding a heavy item for some time
Repetitive work – using the same muscles, tendons, ligaments over and over
Unstable/unbalanced loads which may be difficult to grasp
Discuss Manual handling hazards in your organisation and how to overcome them.

5. Spinal structure and posture
There are 4 main curves in the spine
Cervical (inward)
Thoracic (outward)
Lumbar (inward)
Sacral (outward)
Discuss the fact that if you move the spine away from the normal, natural curves pressure is placed on the spine even if you do no lifting. It is therefore important to lift close to the body and avoid lifting from the ground when possible.

6. Structure and function of spine
Function: support body in an upright posture, and protect the spinal cord
Structure:
Vertebrae (body segments
Discs (cushion the vertebrae, act as shock absorber)
Spinal cord (nerves)
Discs and supporting muscles/ligaments are placed under strain with any forward or sideways bending which can result in wear and tear and potential injury if you then add a weight

7. Organisation Manual Handling Policy and Safe Work Practices for specific tasks
Include relevant information and/or review developed safe work practices here.

8. Safe Lifting Zone
Avoid lifting above here Most desirable range Avoid lifting below here
Look at storage areas – only light items should be above shoulders or below knees.

9. Practical Strategies to reduce risk of injury
Plan ahead – complete risk assessment
Don’t rush
Use lifting equipment
Seek assistance
Avoid twisting by moving your feet
Stretch/warm up prior to manual handling
If an unusual or unfamiliar task take a step back and think about how to do it safely
Maintain natural curves posture
Keep close to the task/load and face it
Use safe lifting techniques
Always advise people with pre-existing injuries to adjust for injury and seek advice from medical practitioner. Discuss any other relevant strategies.

10. Safe Lifting Technique - object
Size up the load
Move as close to the load as possible
Position your feet apart under the shoulders(stable base)
Brace abdominals(core muscles) and shoulders
Incline trunk forward, hips and knees bent, push bottom backwards so shoulders are over the centre of gravity of the load
Test the weight of the load – is it safe to lift?
Keep load close to body and keep head and chest up
Straighten up by extending hips and knees
Change direction with your feet – avoid twisting
Always advise people with pre-existing injuries to adjust for injury and seek advice from medical practitioner