Manual handling

relates to the moving of items either by lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling. But it's not just a case of 'pulling something' due to the weight of the item, although this can be a cause of injury. Injuries can be caused because of the amount of times you have to pick up or carry an item, the distance you are carrying it, the height you are picking it up from or putting it down at (picking it up from the floor, putting it on a shelf above shoulder level) and any twisting, bending stretching or other awkward posture you may get in whilst doing a task. 

Manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury at work and causes over a third of all workplace injuries which include work related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) such as upper and lower limb pain/disorders, joint and repetitive strain injuries of various.

Manual handling injuries can occur almost anywhere in the workplace and heavy manual labour, awkward postures and previous or existing injury can increase the risk. Work related manual handling injuries can have serious implications for both the employer and the person who has been injured. Employers may have to bear substantial costs, through lost production, sickness absence costs of retraining, wages/overtime to cover for the absent person and potentially compensation payments. The injured person may find that their ability to do their job is affected and there may be an impact on their lifestyle, leisure activities, ability to sleep and future job prospects.

All manual work involves lifting and handling to some extent. Although mechanical equipment should be used whenever practicable, a lot of work continues to be done manually. The risk of injury can be greatly reduced by a knowledge and application of correct lifting and handling techniques and by taking a few elementary precautions.

Common injuries

Strains and sprains to muscles and joints, torn ligaments and tendons, disc trouble and hernias:

These are often caused by sudden and awkward movements, e.g. twisting or jerking while lifting, or handling heavy loads; they are also caused by persons attempting to lift loads beyond their physical capabilities. The muscles of the abdominal wall are particularly vulnerable, and excessive strain may lead to ruptures.

Cuts and abrasions:

from rough surfaces, sharp or jagged edges, splinters, projections, etc. Protective clothing should be worn; especially suitable work gloves to protect the hands.

Back injuries:

are most frequently sustained while lifting and handling manually. They may be the cumulative effect of repeated minor injuries, or the result of an abrupt strain. Stoop lifting should be avoided; it greatly increases the chances of sustaining back injuries. Laboratory tests show that the stresses imposed on a rounded back during stoop lifting is six times that experienced if the trunk is kept erect while bending at the knees.

 The risk of injury is reduced by knowledge of correct lifting techniques and not by attempting to lift excessively heavy loads without assistance.

Crushing of limbs:

 by falling loads, or by fingers, hands or feet becoming trapped by loads.

Correct positioning of hands and feet in relation to the movement of the load is essential. Timber wedges should be used when raising or lowering heavy loads to prevent fingers and hands becoming crushed. Safety shoes with steel toe caps will protect the feet. Soles of footwear should also provide a secure grip.

Lifting capacities

The weight that can be lifted by any individual will vary according to personal physique, age, condition and practice, and the techniques employed. The general rule is that the load should not be lifted if it causes a feeling of strain. Assistance should be available if required; an employee must not be required to lift loads beyond his capacity.

Youthful exuberance and bravado often tempt younger employees to attempt to lift loads that are too heavy. While they may succeed in the short term, long term damage may be done.

Lifting capacity declines with age and an older person may not be capable of lifting the same load as a younger person; although this can be offset by employing a better technique.

Before lifting and handling any load, the following points should be established:

• What has to be moved?
• What does it weigh?
• Can it be safely handled by one person?
• Where is the load’s centre of gravity?
• Does it really have to be moved?
• How far does it have to be moved and from where to where?
• Will assistance be required?
• Can the process that requires it to be moved be changed?
• Can the move be carried out more safely with mechanical assistance?

 

Ensure that the lifting and lowering areas are clear of tripping hazards, and likewise check the route over which the load is to be carried.

Not all loads need to be carried, of course. It may be easiest to roll, slew or push them. But assistance might still be required to avoid the risk of injury.

Kinetic method of lifting

Bend at the knees:

The weight to be lifted must be within the lifting capacity of the individual worker and the load should be approached squarely, facing the intended direction of travel. The feet are positioned about a hip’s width apart, one foot slightly in front of the body. The knees are bent and the body lowered as close to the load as possible while remaining relaxed and balanced. The back should be straight from hips to shoulders, but not necessarily vertical.

Grasp the load:

The load is tilted with one hand (if necessary) so that the other hand can obtain a secure grip at the corner nearest the body. The free hand is then transferred to the furthest corner of the load and drawn as close to the trunk as possible. Arms should be well tucked in to provide maximum support to the load.

Lift, using the legs:

The load can then be lifted by straightening the legs so that the body and load move upwards in unison. All movements should be smooth and natural. Jerking, twisting, or straining movements should be avoided. Lifting should feel comfortable. Lifting movements will remain smooth and natural providing the back and head are kept naturally erect. This is achieved by looking straight ahead when straightening the legs, instead of looking down at the load.

Carrying the load:

The load should be held firmly into the body and carried to where it is to be deposited. The closer the centre of gravity of the load can be kept to that of the body, the easier and more natural the lift. It is important to be able to see over or around the load so as to avoid tripping hazards.

When the weight is approaching the maximum lifting capacity of the individual, it will be necessary to lean back on the hips with the load to bring the trunk to the erect position before straightening the legs to lift the load. In this instance the body is being used simply as a counterbalance to keep muscular effort down to a minimum.

Changing grip:

Grips should not be changed while carrying the load. First rest the load on a ledge or other firm support, then change the grip if necessary.

Team lifting:

When large or awkward weights are involved, assistance should be sought. The assistant should be of similar height and build, so that the raised load does not become unbalanced or unevenly distributed.

Co-ordinating team activity is important in team lifting. One person should give directions during lifting, carrying and lowering. Properly designed lifting aids will enable some tasks to be performed more quickly and easily and also eliminate the risk of injury or damage.

Safety checklist manual handling and lifting

 

Preparation:

 

• What is being lifted its size and weight, are there any special precautions you need to know?
• Where are you moving it to and how far you will have to travel?
• Where are you placing the object at the end of the move?
• How many people will be needed to move the load safely and are they all trained in kinetic lifting and handling?
• What methods and equipment will be required and is any required equipment available?
• Would mechanical means be more practical or appropriate?
• Is the lifting and handling area clear of hazards?

 

Lifting and handling:

 

• Communicate with your colleagues before, during and after the move, especially during team lifting procedures.
• Use proper (kinetic) lifting methods
• Use the necessary equipment wherever possible. Mechanical aids are always preferred over manual handling.
• Don’t lift excessive weights and don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.
• Ensure loads are deposited or stacked safely and securely after the move.

 

After lifting and handling:

 

• Report all incidents or accidents to you supervisor/manager even if it doesn’t result in injury or damage.
• If you think the move could have been undertaken in a safer manner discuss it with your supervisor.
• Ensure any lifting/moving aids are returned to safe storage. Any dame must be reported

 

Guideline Weights for Manual Handling Operations

Each box in the diagram above shows guideline weights for lifting and lowering.

Observe the activity and compare to the diagram. If the lifter’s hands enter more than one box during the operation, use the smallest weight. Use an in-between weight if the hands are close to a boundary between boxes.

The weights assume that the load is readily grasped with both hands and the operation takes place in reasonable working conditions with the lifter in a stable body position.

There is no such thing as a completely ‘safe’ manual handling operation. But working within the guidelines will cut the risk.