Manual Handling
Training
At the end of this course, participants will
be able to……
o Describe the main aspects of Manual
Handling Legislation
o Describe the 8 Principles of Safe Manual
Handling
o Apply the 8 Principles of Safe Manual
Handling to Manual Handling Tasks in the
Workplace
…but most importantly you will….
o Know that you use your legs
when manual handling, not
your back
Back Pain Statistics
o 32% of accidents reported to
HSA in 2005 resulted from
Manual Handling
o Four out of five adults will
experience back pain at some
stage
o 50% of people off work with
back pain have a recurrence
within one year
o 5% of back pain leads to
prolonged disability
o Equally common among males
& females
2005 body part injury - HSA
Known Occupational Risk Factors
for Back Pain
o Heavy manual work (forceful exertion,
bending, twisting)
o Working in a stooped posture
o Prolonged sitting in a fixed position
o Vibration
o Stress
Manual Handling of LoadsDefinition
“Any transporting or supporting of a load,
by one or more employees, and includes
lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling,
carrying, or moving a load which, by reason
of its characteristics or of unfavorable
ergonomic conditions involves risk,
particularly of back injury, to employees.”
Employer’s Duty of Care
o
o
o
o
Reasonably
Reasonably
Reasonably
Reasonably
safe place of work
safe plant & equipment
safe systems of work
safety conscious staff
1993 Regulations
– Additional Employer Duties
o Avoid manual handling where possible
o Where unavoidable take measures to
reduce risk
o Assess all manual handling risks
o Provide information and training
Risk Assessment and Reduction
o Reduce the risk if it cannot be
eliminated
o Use appropriate means to reduce risk
o Provide employees with means to
reduce risk
Duties of an Employee
o Reasonable care for own safety & that
of others
o Cooperate with employer
o Never attend work under the influence
of an intoxicant
o Use suitable PPE
o Report known defects
o No intentional or reckless use of
equipment
The Spine
Understanding How the Back Works
The Spinal Column
The human spine
is a flexible
column of 33
bones called
vertebrae
The spine consists of
Discs
o Discs are located between each vertebra
o Functions - cushion shock, keep vertebrae
apart, allow spinal nerves to exit freely and
allow movement between vertebrae
o Composed mostly of water – dry out with age
o Age 30 – start to dry out
o Age 60 – much thinner discs
o Disc protrusion (lesion / slip disc) involves
rupture of outer ring, allowing nucleus to move
causing pressure on spinal nerve
Side Load
Loaded
Herniated Disc
Spinal Damage
Muscles
Posture
o Back pain - cumulative
effect (usually not one
off injury)
o Years of poor posture /
bad habits = injury
o Maintain alignment of
the spine & move /
change posture
frequently
8 Points to Remember
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Assess the task, the area & the load
Broad stable base - feet flat on floor
Bend the knees
Back straight
Firm grip
Arms in line with body
Weight close to centre of gravity
Turn feet in direction of movement
Evaluating the Risk
The objective of evaluation is to minimise risk through
positive action.
Evaluate the risks by considering:
•The
•The
•The
•The
task
load
environment
individual
Consider each of these areas in turn and ask the following
questions...
Evaluating the Risk
1. The Task
Movement
Distance
Work Process
Are there high risk movements
involved?
Equipment may assist or remove
the need for manual material
handling.
If high risk movement is
involved, it may be possible to
change or use mechanical aids
for the task.
Evaluating the Risk
1. The Task
Movement
Distance
Work Process
Does the task involve excessive
lifting or carrying over a
distance?
Ensure it is possible to rest the
load midway or to change grip if
required.
Evaluating the Risk
1. The Task
Movement
Distance
Work Process
Does the work process dictate
the lifting requirement?
Where practical, organise your
work process to ensure frequent
changes from manual handling
work to other activities.
Repetitive lifting can greatly
diminish your energy level.
Evaluating the Risk
2. The Load
Weight
Shape
Hazards
Can I lift this weight without
straining myself?
Never lift anything that you think
might strain or injure you.
Wherever possible, remove any
detachable parts.
Evaluating the Risk
2. The Load
Weight
Shape
Hazards
Do I need someone to help me lift?
Ask for help if required. Make sure
you check the weight first.
Communicate clearly and check that
everyone involved feels comfortable
carrying the load.
Evaluating the Risk
2. The Load
Weight
Shape
Hazards
Does the shape make it difficult to
lift, can I get a good stable grip?
If the load has one heavier side,
then that side should be held closest
to the body. Anything on the object
which may move while lifting should
be secured or removed.
Evaluating the Risk
2. The Load
Weight
Shape
Hazards
Will the load obstruct my view?
Do not carry large objects that will
obstruct your view while lifting.
It is important that your field of
vision is clear and unobstructed
while lifting, lowering and carrying.
Evaluating the Risk
2. The Load
Weight
Shape
Hazards
Oxidising
Toxic
Corrosive
Flammable
Harmful /
Irritant
Dangerous
to the Environment
Is the load hazardous?
Always check for hazard labels.
Also, the load could be too hot or
cold to handle safely, or it may have
sharp edges. You may need to wear
Personal Protective Equipment (e.g.
gloves, aprons etc.) or tape the
edges.
Evaluating the Risk
3. The Environment
Layout
Floor Condition
Temperature
Can the workplace layout be
reorganised to reduce risk?
Obstructions should be cleared to
provide enough space for correct
positioning. Lighting must be
good enough to enable accurate
judgement of height and
distance.
Evaluating the Risk
3. The Environment
Layout
Floor Condition
Temperature
Is the floor uneven, slippery or
unstable?
Where possible, all manual
handling should be carried out on
a stable, single level floor. Any
spillage on floors must be
cleaned up immediately.
All obstructions should be
removed.
Evaluating the Risk
3. The Environment
Layout
Floor Condition
Temperature
When lifting and carrying outside
always check the area
thoroughly.
In particular check for hazards
such as unlevel ground,
obstructions, mud and ice.
Evaluating the Risk
3. The Environment
Layout
Floor Condition
Temperature
Is the temperature comfortable?
Extreme temperature or
inadequate ventilation can reduce
concentration levels and cause
rapid fatigue.
Perspiration or cold hands can
reduce grip.
Evaluating the Risk
4. Capability
Strength
Training
Preparation
Is your strength, height and
fitness appropriate to the task?
Women should take particular care
during pregnancy and the months
following a return to work after
childbirth. At these times the risk
of injury from manual handling is
increased.
Evaluating the Risk
4. Capability
Strength
Training
Preparation
Have you been adequately trained
for the task?
If you think you need additional
information or training, or the task
requires further assessment, ask
your manager or supervisor.
Evaluating the Risk
4. Capability
Strength
Training
Preparation
Have you prepared yourself
adequately?
Wear suitable clothes that do not
hamper movement.
Broad Stable Base
Before lifting, place your
feet close to the load.
Adopt a firm stable base
with your feet
approximately shoulder
width apart and, where
practical, one foot
slightly in front of the
other.
Bend your knees and back straight
Never kneel or over flex the knees.
If necessary, lean forward over the
load a little to obtain a good grip.
You should grip from diagonally
opposite corners.
Test the load by gently pushing it
away from you and lift in a slow
deliberate move, without jerking,
keeping your chin up.
Palmer grip
Use as much of your
fingers as comfortably
possible to support
the load.
Arms in line with your body
Stand up smoothly.
Maintain control of
the load and ensure
you keep your arms
close to your body.
Always keep your back
as upright as possible
and relaxed.
Weight close to centre of gravity
Holding a load close
to your body reduces
the strain.
By holding a load at
arms length you
increase the stress
to your body by at
least 5 times.
So remember, always hold
the load as close to your
body as is comfortably
possible.
Turn your feet - NOT your body
When changing
direction, turn by
moving your feet.
Keep the load close
and in front of you.
Don’t twist your
body as this can
cause damage to your
spine.
Readjust the load if necessary
Once you have lifted
a load, you may
need to rest or
adjust your grip
before being able to
carry it comfortably
Always make sure there
is enough space to rest
the load
Walking
When walking with a
load, take short
unhurried steps
keeping your legs
relaxed with the load
close to your body to
maintain balance
and reduce strain.
Unloading
The approach to unloading
the load should be similar
to lifting:
▪ feet close to where the load
is to be placed
▪ one leg leading
▪ back upright
▪ chin kept up
▪ arms close to the body
▪ knees bent
The right way and the wrong way
8 Points to Remember
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Assess the task, the area & the load
Broad stable base - feet flat on floor
Bend the knees
Back straight
Firm grip
Arms in line with body
Weight close to centre of gravity
Turn feet in direction of movement