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Hazard Sheet 14: Manual Handling

Manual handling such as lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads accounts for approximately 30% of injuries at work, with 45% being back injuries. Assessing the risk of manual handling involves considering the task, load, work environment, individual's physical capabilities, and handling techniques. Controls to manage the risk include eliminating hazardous lifts, substituting smaller loads, reducing frequency, using handling equipment, providing training, and following good lifting techniques such as keeping the back straight and lifting with leg muscles.

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68 views3 pages

Hazard Sheet 14: Manual Handling

Manual handling such as lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads accounts for approximately 30% of injuries at work, with 45% being back injuries. Assessing the risk of manual handling involves considering the task, load, work environment, individual's physical capabilities, and handling techniques. Controls to manage the risk include eliminating hazardous lifts, substituting smaller loads, reducing frequency, using handling equipment, providing training, and following good lifting techniques such as keeping the back straight and lifting with leg muscles.

Uploaded by

cerajib
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Hazard Sheet 14 Manual Handling

Manual Handling
Manual Handling
Manual handling is generally regarded as covering a range of activities that
include transporting or supporting of loads by hand or bodily force. It includes
lifting carrying, pushing and pulling. Approximately 30% of injuries at work occur
as a result of manual handling of which 45% are back injuries. Part of the
problem is that these injuries often result in significant periods away from work
in order to recover. There is also a tendency to suffer further injury when
resuming the activities previously undertaken.

Assessing the risk


As with all activities on site the risk needs to be assessed in order to determine
what measures need to be taken. In order to assess the risk of manual handling
the following factors need to be taken into account:
■ the task
■ the load
■ the working environment
■ physical capabilities of individuals
Fig 1
■ handling techniques

1. The task
In assessing the risk determine if the task involves:
■ Holding loads away from the body trunk?
■ Twisting, stooping or reaching upwards?
■ Working off the floor?
■ Large vertical movement?
■ Long carrying distances?
■ Strenuous pushing or pulling?
■ Unpredictable movement of loads?
■ Repetitive handling?
■ Insufficient rest or recovery time?
■ A work rate imposed by a process?
2. The load
In assessing the load consideration shall be given to whether the load is:
■ heavy in terms of size of load.
■ bulky or unwieldy in terms of its mass.
■ unwieldy and therefore difficult to grasp.
■ unstable, unpredictable where the load content may shift.
Fig 2
■ intrinsically harmful e.g. sharp, or hot.
■ max load for ABB employees = 25 kg.

10kg 5kg

3kg 7kg
Shoulder height
Shoulder height 20kg 10kg

7kg 13kg
Elbow height
Elbow height 15kg
25kg
10kg 16kg
Knuckle height Knuckle height

20kg 10kg
7kg 13kg

Mid lower leg height Mid lower leg height


3kg 7kg 10kg 5kg

Women Men

General guide on loads


Hazard_14 Issue 1

Fig 3

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Hazard Sheet 14 Manual Handling

Manual Handling Cont...


3. The working environment
This will need to consider:
■ general constraints on posture
■ poorly constructed or maintained floors
■ variation in levels
■ hot, cold, humid conditions
■ strong air movements
■ poor lighting
■ restriction on movement or posture from clothes or personal protective equipment.
4. Personal capability
Consider whether the activity requires unusual physical capability and whether the persons who are likely to be required to undertake the
task are in a fit state. Also is there a training or instruction requirement.

Controlling & managing the risk


As with all risks the hierarchy of controls will apply.

Risk avoidance/eliminate
Design out the need to lift loads that are heavy and are likely to present a significant risk of
injury. Ensure that there are sufficient mechanical handling devices on site including hoists,
cranes, lift trucks etc.

Fig 4

Risk reduction
Substitute with smaller loads and use handling equipment that will improve the overall
posture and thereby reduce the risk of injury. Also reduce frequency. Also reduce carrying
distance
Risk control
physical protection measures to include safety boots to protect feet and gloves to protect
hands.
Also provide training and instruction in respect of good lifting and handling techniques.

Fig 5
Some tips on good handling
Plan the lift.
■ Where is the load 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.
Hazard_14 Issue 1

Page 2 of 3
Hazard Sheet 14 Manual Handling

Manual Handling Cont...


Position the feet
■ Feet apart, giving a balanced and stable base for lifting
■ Leading leg as far forward as is comfortable and if possible, pointing in the
direction you intend to go.

Fig 6

Adopt a good posture


■ When lifting from a low level, bend the knees.
■ But do not kneel or overflex the knees.
■ Keep the back straight, maintaining its natural curve (tucking in the chin helps).
■ Lean forward a little over the load if necessary to get a good grip.
■ Keep the shoulders level and facing in the same direction as the hips.

Fig 7

Get a firm grip


■ Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs.
■ The best position and type of grip depends on the circumstances and individual
preference; but it must be secure.
■ A hook grip is less tiring than keeping the fingers straight.
■ If you need to vary the grip as the lift proceeds, do it as smoothly as possible.

Fig 8

Keep close to the load


■ Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible.
■ Keep heaviest side of the load next to the trunk.
■ If a close approach to the load is not possible, slide it towards you before trying to
lift.
Don’t jerk
■ Lift smoothly, raising the chin as the lift begins, keeping control of the load.
Move the feet
■ Don’t twist the trunk when turning to the side.

Fig 9

Put it down, then adjust


■ If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into the
desired position.
Hazard_14 Issue 1

Fig 10

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