1. Manual Handling
Tony Richardson CMIOSH Sussexsafety.net

2. Introduction-aims of the session
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Introduction-aims of the session
An awareness of manual handling injuries
An overview of legal requirements
An understanding of good handling techniques to help prevent lifting injuries
Information to help you decide if a load is within your capability to lift or, needs to be assessed
Don’t forget this applies at home as well as at work
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3. What is Manual Handling ?
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
It is not just lifting heavy or bulky loads it also includes:
Pushing
Pulling
Lifting
Lowering
Carrying
What is the Definition of Manual Handling?
Any transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force
Name some items you move during the day
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4. Workplace accidents What type of accident causes the most injuries?
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Workplace accidents
What type of accident causes the most injuries?
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5. Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Questions
1. What types of injuries can you get from lifting and shifting?
2. What are the most common manual handling injuries?
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6. Manual handling injuries
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
What part of the body is most affected?
Does anyone suffer from back pain?
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7. Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Back problems
In between each of the five lumbar vertebrae (bones) is a disc, a tough fibrous shock - absorbing pad
Excess spinal pressure from incorrect lifting, or frequent and improper twisting & turning can cause these discs to becompressed until they rupture
This is sometimes called a herniated disc
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8. Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Finger, thumb and hand
Finger, thumb and hand injuries make up almost a quarter of all lifting injuries
Cuts from sharp/coarse material or equipment or from trapped fingers account for 12% handling injuries
Other hand injuries such as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome are cumulative and can result from carrying out the same activity repeatedly
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9. Other manual handling injuries
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Other manual handling injuries
Crushed and fractured bones
Cuts and abrasions
Soft tissue damage eg injuries to muscle tendons and ligaments
Hernias
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10. Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Hernias
A hernia can develop when a loop of the gut bulges out through a weakened part of the abdominal wall
Hernias can be a result of excessive strain caused by heavy lifting
Acute condition (immediate effect) Chronic condition (long term effect)
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11. Legal stuff-employers
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Legal stuff-employers
The Manual Handling Regulations 1992/2002 say:
Avoid hazardous manual handling operations as far as possible (reasonably practicable)
Assess any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided
Reduce the risk of injury so far as possible (reasonably practicable)
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12. Legal stuff-staff As staff we must:
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Legal stuff-staff
As staff we must:
Follow and practice safe systems of work laid down for our own safety
Make proper use of safety equipment provided
Co-operate with our employers on health and safety matters
Inform our line manager if we identify hazardous lifting activities
Take care to ensure our activities do not put others at risk
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13. Good handling techniques for lifting
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Good handling techniques for lifting
Practical tips for safe manual handling
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14. Think before lifting/handling
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Think before lifting/handling
Is it bulky?-it may be large but not heavy
Is it heavy?-it may be small in size but heavy
Is it stable?-containers of liquid can be unstable and difficult to move
Is it hard to hold?-do you need gloves/PPE
Can you split the load-make it smaller/lighter easier to handle?
Can lifting/handling aids be used?
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15. What is a lifting or handling aid?
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
What is a lifting or handling aid?
How many lifting devices can you think of?
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16. Think before lifting/handling
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Think before lifting/handling
Do you need help with the load? Give it a test
Think about the route, trips hazards, stairs, obstructions
Where is the load going to be placed?
The further you move a load the smaller it should be (think of carrying a suitcase)
For a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip
There is no point in injuring yourself
be aware of your capabilities
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17. Remember the risks? Remember:
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Remember the risks?
Strain put on the body
Sprains or strains
Back injuries
Stooping, reaching and twisting of body
Repetitive practices
The load doesn’t have to be heavy to cause a problem
Remember:
Do not lift a load that is too heavy, bulky, awkward or not in your lifting capability
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18. Before you start Adopt a stable position Your feet should be apart
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Before you start
Adopt a stable position
Your feet should be apart
With one leg slightly forward to maintain balance (alongside the load, if it is on the ground)
Be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain stability
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19. Start in a good posture At the start
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Start in a good posture
At the start
A slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (stooping) or fully flexing the hips and knees (squatting)
Don’t flex the back any further while lifting
This can happen if the legs begin to straighten before starting to raise the load
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20. Keep the load close to the waist
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Keep the load close to the waist
Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting
Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body
If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it
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21. Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways
Especially while the back is bent
Shoulders should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips
Turning by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time
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22. Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Move smoothly
The load should not be jerked or snatched this can make it harder to keep control and can increase the risk of injury
Don’t lift or handle more than you can easily manage
There is a difference between what people can lift and what they can safely lift
If in doubt, seek advice or get help
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23. Put down the load, then adjust
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Put down the load, then adjust
If precise positioning of the load is necessary
Put it down first
Then slide it into the desired position
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24. Let's watch how the experts do it
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Let's watch how the experts do it
Video
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25. When is a risk assessment required?
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
When is a risk assessment required?
A less formal assessment should be done each time you have to carry out manual handling
A formal risk assessment should be done if the task is a regular or repetitive part of your work
Pre Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist
Look out for, people puffing and sweating, excessive fatigue, bad posture, cramped work areas, awkward or heavy loads, twisting or a history of back trouble
Most colleagues can often highlight which activities are unpopular, difficult, awkward or hard work
The risk assessment should be carried out by a competent person e.g. your line manager
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26. When is a manual handling risk assessment required?
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
When is a manual handling risk
assessment required?
If in doubt ask your line manager to complete the: Pre-Manual Handling Risk Assessment Checklist
This will help you decide if a thorough risk assessment is needed
If you think there is a risk of injury you should report it before attempting the task
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27. How do you carry out a manual handling risk assessment?
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
How do you carry out a manual handling risk assessment?
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28. Finally: Remember good handling techniques
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Finally: Remember good handling techniques
Most accidents occur mainly when insufficient thought has been given to the task in hand
Try to think of a Manual Handling in terms of TILE
The Task
Individual Capability
The Load
The Working Environment
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29. Finally: If manual lifting is the only option
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Finally: If manual lifting is the only option
Reduce the risk by:
Making the load smaller or easier to lift
Modify the work area to reduce carrying distances
Cut out twisting or lifting things from floor level or above shoulder height
Improve the environment - e.g. better lighting, flooring, or air temperature
Ensure the person doing the lifting knows how to lift as safely as possible
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30. Manual Handling Test 1. Practical assessment
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Manual Handling Test
1. Practical assessment
2. Ten true or false questions
A pass in both will be awarded with a
Certificate of Achievement
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31. Manual Handling/Lifting & Shifting
Sussexsafety.net Training Presentation: Manual Handling
Further access denied
If you would like to learn more about:
Manual Handling/Lifting & Shifting
Contact Tony Richardson at Sussexsafety.net
Or call the number at the top of the page
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