2. Objectives
At the end of this session you will be
able to:
1. Basic understanding of your back
2. Understand principles of safe manual
handling
3. Know when to stop!
3. Manual Handling -
Definition
LIFTING
PUTTING DOWN
PUSHING
PULLING
CARRYING OR MOVING A LOAD
which by reason of it’s characteristics or unfavorable
ergonomic conditions involves risk, particularly of
back injury to employees
Any transporting or supporting of a load by one or
more employees and which may include;
4. What is Manual Handling
Manual Handling is the movement of loads
using physical effort.
It includes the lifting, lowering, pulling,
pushing, carrying and supporting of loads.
5. The Manual Handling Operations
Regulations - Employers Duty
AVOID hazardous manual handling so far as is
reasonably practicable.
ASSESS hazardous manual handling that
cannot be avoided.
Take ACTION to reduce the risks so far as is
reasonably practicable.
6. Causes of Back Pain
Twisting, stooping, stretching.
Heavy lifting.
Carrying loads awkwardly.
Repetitive tasks.
Static posture eg. driving.
Stress, fatigue.
Being overweight or unfit.
7. Back Care
Maintain a good posture when lifting,
carrying, sitting etc.
Know your limits when lifting, carrying etc.
Keep fit.
Listen to your body – take breaks when
needed (don’t over do it).
8. The Spine
The spine is a delicate but incredibly strong
structure.
The spines natural shape is an elongated ‘S’ shape.
Bad posture when sitting, lifting, watching TV etc
puts the shape of the spine in to an elongated ‘C’
shape putting additional strain on muscles, nerves
and other tissues.
9. Risk Assessment
A manual handling risk assessment should take
account of:
TASK
INDIVIDUAL(S) DOING THE TASK
LOAD
ENVIRONMENT
What would you consider about the above ?
10. Task
Does the task involve:
Twisting, stooping, bending, holding
loads away from the body, long
carrying distances, large vertical
movement, repetitive, strenuous
pushing or pulling.
11. Individual(s) doing the task
Is it possible for one person to do the
job or is help / equipment required.
Does it put people with health
problems at risk eg. should a
pregnant worker be doing it ?
Does it call for specialist training.
12. Load
Is the load stable, bulky, can it be
reduced eg. remove packages from a
box, too big, awkward shape, difficult
to grasp, awkwardly stacked or
stored.
13. Environment
Are there constraints on posture.
Variations in levels eg. stairs, slopes etc.
Poor lighting.
Inclement weather.
Bumpy paths, slip hazards, doors etc.
Restricted movement due to personal
protective clothing eg. gloves.
14. Handling Loads
Think before handling a load – plan first.
Keep the load close to you.
Adopt a stable position – feet apart with one leg slightly
forward.
Get a good hold of the load.
Posture – bend your knees when lifting, pushing etc.
Maintain the natural curves of your back.
Don’t twist, stretch, stoop or bend your back.
Know your limits and ask for help when you need it.
Use equipment provided for you eg. trolleys.
16. Before You Lift
PLAN AHEAD
Know what you are lifting and how you will lift it.
Be aware of the weight of the object.
Determine whether or not it’s safe to lift on your
own.
Make sure the work area is flat, dry and clear of
debris.
.
17. Before You Lift Cont…
CHECK THE PATHWAY
Make sure the lift pathway is clear .
Remove any tripping hazards or debris.
Check for any wet or slick surfaces.
USE ERGONOMIC EQUIPMENT
Use lift assists, forklift, hand truck or hoist.
Make sure you are trained before using the equipment.
GET HELP WHEN NEEDED
When lifting awkward or heavy loads, utilize a two person lift .
Make sure you lift at the same time and keep the load level.
WEAR PROPER PPE
Wear proper required protective shoes and gloves
18. Lifting Do’s and Don’ts
DO’S…
Know or test the object weight.
Use ergonomic lift assists when possible.
Plan the lift and clear your path.
Get help for heavy or awkward loads.
Keep the object in the power zone.
Use a wide stance for balance.
Pivot your feet to avoid twisting.
19. Lifting Do’s and Don’ts
DON’T…
Don’t hold your breath.
Don’t bend or twist at the waist.
Don’t use a partial grip (1-2 fingers).
Don’t obstruct your vision when carrying.
Don’t jerk or lift quickly.
Don’t pinch you fingers or toes.
Don’t pull a load if you can push it.
Don’t forget to wear proper PPE. …
20. Tips for Safe Lifting
Plan the lift.
Remove anything in your way.
Pushing is easier than pulling.
Pulling is easier than carrying.
Get help for heavy/bulky loads.
20
PPT-025-02
21. More Tips for Safe Lifting
Warm up your muscles with stretches.
Test the weight of the load first.
Face the direction you need to move.
Hold the load close to your body.
21
PPT-025-02
22. More Tips
Lift with your back as straight as
comfortable.
Keep the load between shoulder and knee
height.
Change your position.
Stretch to relax and rest tired muscles.
22
PPT-025-02
23. and More Tips
Plan where to set the load.
Rest more often when it is hot/humid.
Take more time to warm up your muscles in the cold.
Take more breaks if using tools/equipment that
vibrate.
23
PPT-025-02
