1. Manual Handling

2. Handling Activities that Present a Risk
How do you know if there a risk of injury ?
Matter of your judgement
Tend to be unpopular, difficult or arduous operations.
Main Area’s of risk are :
Repetitive and heavy lifting
Bending and twisting
Uncomfortable working position
Exerting too much force
Working too long without breaks
Adverse working environment
Psychosocial factors

3. The Task
Risks caused by the task may be as follows :
Loads held away from the body
Incorrect posture (especially when lifting and lowering loads)
Excessive twisting and turning of body
Not allowing sufficient time for the body to rest
Excessive carrying or lifting distances
Incorrect team handling especially between unequal partners.

4. The Load
In addition to the obvious risk presented by the weight of the load, other risks may be as follows :
Bulky or unwieldy loads
Loads which are difficult to grasp
Unstable loads
Loads with sharp edges
Loads which are inherently dangerous
Contain corrosive substances
Are extremely hot / cold

5. The Working Environment
The following hazards may be seen in the workplace :
Wet and slippery floor surfaces
Variations in floor level
Low headroom (causing poor posture)
Excessive heat or cold
Draughts and high ventilation rates.

6. Individual Capability
Allowances should be made for :
Age – ability to bear weights declines with age, increasingly so in a person’s 50s and 60s
Gender – Women are not judged to have the same weight bearing capacity as men and can be particularly susceptible to injury during pregnancy.
Previous injuries or known medical complaints.

7. Reducing the Risk of Manual Handling

8. Good Handling Techniques
STOP AND THINK
POSITION YOUR FEET
ADOPT A GOOD POSTURE
GET A FIRM GRIP
KEEP CLOSE TO THE LOAD
LIFT SMOOTHLY
MOVE THE FEET
PUT DOWN, THEN ADJUST

9. Stop and Think Place the Feet Plan the lift.
Where is the load going to be placed?
Use appropriate handling aids if possible.
Do you need help with the load?
Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials.
For a long lift - such as floor to shoulder height - consider resting the load mid-way on a table or bench to change grip.
Place the Feet
Have the feet apart, giving a balanced and stable base for lifting.
Have the leading leg as far forward as is comfortable.

10. Good Handling Techniques
STOP AND THINK
POSITION YOUR FEET
ADOPT A GOOD POSTURE
GET A FIRM GRIP
KEEP CLOSE TO THE LOAD
LIFT SMOOTHLY
MOVE THE FEET
PUT DOWN, THEN ADJUST

11. Get a Firm Grip Lift Smoothly
Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs.
The optimum position and nature of the grip depends on the circumstance and individual preference, but it must be secure.
A hook grip is less fatiguing than keeping the fingers straight (Palm/Power)
If it is necessary to vary the grip as the lift proceeds, do this as smoothly as possible.
Lift Smoothly
Carry out the lifting movement smoothly, raising the chin as the lift begins,
keeping control of the load.

12. Good Handling Techniques
STOP AND THINK
POSITION YOUR FEET
ADOPT A GOOD POSTURE
GET A FIRM GRIP
KEEP CLOSE TO THE LOAD
LIFT SMOOTHLY
MOVE THE FEET
PUT DOWN, THEN ADJUST

13. Move the Feet Keep Close to the Load Put Down - Then Adjust
Don’t twist the trunk when turning to side.
Keep Close to the Load
Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible.
Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the trunk.
If a close approach to the load is not possible, try sliding it towards you before lifting.
Put Down - Then Adjust
If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into the desired position.

14. Reducing the Risk - Task
Can you :-
Reduce the amount of twisting and stooping ?
Avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height ?
Reduce carrying distances ?
Avoid repetitive handling ?
Vary the work, allowing one set of muscles to rest while another is used ?
Use two person / team lifting ?

15. If you do have to lift or lower from above shoulder height
Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible.
Push up on the load to see how heavy and stable it is.
Slide the load as close to yourself as possible before lifting.
Grip firmly and slide it down.
Get help when you need it to avoid injury.

16. Lifting from hard to reach places
Get as close to the load as possible.
Maintain your back’s natural curves, and keep stomach muscles tight.
Push buttocks out behind you.
Bend your knees.
Use leg, stomach and buttock muscles to lift - not your back.

17. Two Person Lifts & Team Lifts
Work best when :-
People are about the same height.
One person is in charge of saying when to move and where.
You lift and raise at the same time.
You keep the load at the same level while carrying it
You move smoothly together.
You unload at the same time.

18. Reducing the Risk – Load.
Can you make the load :
Lighter or less bulky ?
Easier to grasp ?
More stable ?
Less damaging to hold ? .

19. Lifting Awkward Objects
Bend your knees with feet spread.
Grip the top outside and bottom inside corners.
Use your legs to lift, keeping your back straight.

20. Reducing the Risk – Environment.
Can you :
Remove obstructions to free movement ?
Provide better flooring ?
Avoid steps and steep ramps ?
Prevent extremes of hot and cold ?
Improve lighting ?
Consider less restrictive clothing or personal protective equipment ?

21. If a load is too big or too heavy to carry without strain, GET HELP!
Final Message
DON’T GET HURT BEING A HERO
If a load is too big or too heavy to carry without strain, GET HELP! .

22. Manual Handling in the Workplace
What types of manual handling do you carry out in your workplace ?
Then think about Do’s – What you do to make sure this operation is done safely.
and Don’ts – What you must ensure is not done, so that health and safety is not compromised.