1. MANUAL HANDLING for Non-Clinical Staff

2. Manual Handling Is the use of force exerted by a person to: Lift Move
Push
Pull
Carry
Living or non living object

3. Manual Handling Aged care is a high risk industry for injuries
Manual handling involved at work
Working with Residents (who are not always predictable)
Trips and falls at work
Most injuries are accumulative in nature whilst some injuries are from a more obvious incident

4. WHS Legislation Employer responsibilities
Providing a safe work environment – free of hazards and risks
Provision of Induction
Provision of Information
Provision of Training
Provision of Supervision of employees

5. WHS Legislation Employee responsibilities
Maintain a safe work environment – clean and tidy and ensure their actions do not create an unsafe working environment
Only perform tasks that you have been trained in (including using or operating equipment)
Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Wear protective equipment if required by the SOP
Follow reasonable instructions

6. WHS Legislation
Report hazards – if you see something that is unsafe, advise your supervisor/manager
Report accidents – when you or another worker is injured (and near misses), be sure to report
Make sure you are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Protect your own health and safety at work
You have a duty of care in the workplace, so don’t put other workers at risk

7. The ‘Hidden’ Impact Of Work Injury
Research claims up to 80% of Australians will experience low back pain in their lifetime
LBP and Occupational Overuse Injuries* cost Australia the most
Pain and discomfort can last for years, affecting work, everyday life, family and relationships
Safe Work Australia

8. Reducing the Risks 3 stages to safe manual handling
Hazard Identification
Risk Assessment
Risk Control
Identifying hazards
A hazard is any situation that has the potential to cause harm to life, health or property

9. How can we identify a hazard??
On observation/completion of tasks
Communication with staff
Analysis of workplace injury records
Client assessments

10. Risk Assessment
Evaluate the likelihood of injury or illness due to the hazard High / Medium / Low

11. Risk Assessment Consider The environment – furniture, space, equipment
Work practices – training, adequate staff numbers, mechanical assistance

12. Risk Control Controlling the Risk If a risk, our aim is to preferably
Eliminate or where not possible, minimise the risk of injury or illness
Is there a better way?
Evaluate and then suggest a solution to the problem

13. Manual Handling Principles
Stand/sit upright, maintaining a 3 normal curves of the spine
Feet wide apart
Bend at the hips and knees – squat or lunge
Avoid twisting and bending of the back
Point feet in the direction of movement
Keep the load close to the body
Firm secure grip
Tighten core
Use the legs
Push rather than pull
Safe working height at all times

14. Lifting the wrong vs the right way

15. Manual Handling Principles – applies when lifting any object

16. Back Injuries Occurs when too much STRESS is applied to the back
DO NOT lift
With an unsupported back
Twist
Avoid sudden movements
Work in prolonged poor postures

17. Changes in disc pressure according to position or activity

18. Spinal Anatomy Vertebra and joints
Intervertebral discs are the shock absorbers
Ligaments connect bone to bone
Tendons connect muscles to bone
Muscles and bones provide posture

19. Posture
There is no such thing as a straight back
3 spinal curves

20. Transversus Abdominis Muscle

21. Mechanical Aids
Trolleys
Flatbed
Foot hand
Step ladders
Gloves

22. Office workstations With a upright posture,
Seat at a height to allow elbows and knees to bent at 90
Top of computer screen at eye level
Directly in front of workstation to avoid twisting
Frequently use items within arms reach
Office ergonomic aids to be use to ensure a safe posture at all times

23. Things to remember Avoid prolonged working positions
Have frequents rests
Avoid excessive exposure to vibration

24. Take home message We are not invincible
Adhere to manual handling care plans
Don’t take short cuts or unnecessary risks – they will get you in the end!
If you feel there is a problem report it– if it is a risk to you it is probably a risk to others