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Manual Handling Safety Procedure

This document provides guidelines for safely conducting manual handling operations. It outlines procedures for risk assessment, roles and responsibilities, and safe lifting techniques. Risk assessments must be performed before manual handling tasks to identify hazards. Management is responsible for empowering workers to stop unsafe work and maintaining clear access and communication. When lifting, workers should lift with their legs, keep their back straight, get assistance for heavy loads, and never twist their body. Following these procedures aims to prevent strains, sprains, fractures and other injuries from manual handling.

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Felix Ebikinei
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102 views6 pages

Manual Handling Safety Procedure

This document provides guidelines for safely conducting manual handling operations. It outlines procedures for risk assessment, roles and responsibilities, and safe lifting techniques. Risk assessments must be performed before manual handling tasks to identify hazards. Management is responsible for empowering workers to stop unsafe work and maintaining clear access and communication. When lifting, workers should lift with their legs, keep their back straight, get assistance for heavy loads, and never twist their body. Following these procedures aims to prevent strains, sprains, fractures and other injuries from manual handling.

Uploaded by

Felix Ebikinei
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

M a n u a l H a n d l i n g Safety P r o c e d u r e

Revision: 0 Date: February, 2023

Prepared by: Felix Ebikinei Approved by:

1.0 DESCRIPTION
1.1 This document provides basic safety guidelines for the safety of all
personnel during manual handling operations.

1.2 Plan and implement each manual handling event in a manner that
mitigates unnecessary exposure to procedural hazards.

1.3 All manual handling operations must be conducted with due regard for the safety
of life and property.

1.4 All personnel have, and should use, "Stop Work" authority whenever
there is concern for safety during manual handling operations.

1.5 This document is not meant to supersede or replace regulatory


requirements, nor is it intended to be all inclusive of the applicable
regulatory requirements. It is intended to be supportive and
complimentary to such requirements.

2.0 RISK ASSESSMENT


2.1 Risk assessments are performed to identify and mitigate perceived
and actual environmental and operational hazards.

2.2 A task specific Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is prepared prior to


manual handling operations.

2.3 Risk assessments are performed at the beginning of each task.

2.4 Review and update risk assessments when:


 Each new task is begun.
 There is a change in how a task is performed.
 Changes in site or environmental conditions occur.
 A specific need or concern is identified (i.e., as needed to
ensure the safety of personnel or property).

3.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


3.1 Management Responsibilities (includes all personnel with a supervisory role)
3.1.1 Empower all personnel with the authority to “Stop Work” whenever
hazardous conditions or potentially hazardous conditions are identified.
3.1.2 Provide for and require that warning signs are placed in a
manner and at a distance sufficient to warn personnel of
manual handling operations hazards.
3.1.3 Keep unauthorized personnel out of the manual handling activities.
3.1.4 Provide for and require that equipment and materials are
arranged to give unobstructed access/egress during manual
handling operations and in the event of an emergency.
3.1.5 Establish lines of communication between the
Owner/Facility, Contractor, and local authorities.

3.2 Health & Safety (H&S) Responsibilities


3.2.1 A Health and Safety Professional is involved with performing the risk
assessment.
3.2.2 Provide technical support for interpretation of manual handling
operations safety guidelines.
3.2.3 Evaluate the effectiveness of the task-specific JSA.
3.2.4 Immediately stop and correct any safety related non-compliant
activities.

3.3 Employee Responsibilities


3.3.1 Do not enter or otherwise be present at a manual lifting event
unless you are part of the lifting team.
3.3.2 Review safety requirements of the task-specific JSA.
3.3.3 Do not work over or near where manual lifting is being conducted.
3.3.4 Wear the PPE as appropriate for the task being performed.
3.3.5 Attend required training before working on the task. Report any non-
compliant H&S activities to a supervisor.

4.0 MANUAL HANDLING

Manual handling means manually moving or handling things by lifting, lowering, pushing,
pulling, carrying, holding or restraining. Manual handling is also the most common cause of
occupational fatigue, low back pain and lower back injuries.

4.1 Potential Risks and Hazards


Injuries that can occur when manually moving materials including the following:
 Strains and sprains from lifting loads improperly or from carrying loads that are either
too large or too heavy;
 Fractures and bruises caused by being struck by materials or by being caught in pinch
points, and
 Cuts and bruises caused by falling materials that have been improperly stored or by
incorrectly cutting ties or other securing devices

4.2 Risks and Hazards Mitigation


When moving materials manually, workers should attach handles or holders to loads. In
addition, workers should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment and use
proper lifting techniques to prevent injury from oversize loads. Workers should seek help
during the following:
 When a load is so bulky that employees cannot properly grasp or lift it;
 When employees cannot see around or over a load or;
 When employees cannot safely handle a load.
Using the following personal protective equipment prevents needless injuries when
manually moving materials:
 Hand and forearm protection such as gloves for loads with sharp or rough edges
 Eye protection
 Steel toed safety shoes or boots
 Metal fiber or plastic metatarsal guards to protect the in-step area from impact or
compression
4.2.1 Stop & Think
Assess where, how long, how complicated can manual handling be.

4.2.2 Safety Practices in Manual Handling


 Restrict the load to: maximum safe lifting weight for a woman is 16kg, and the
maximum safe lifting weight for men is 25kg.
 Trial lift before actual lifting
 Ascertain, intended path of movement is clear
The above-mentioned procedure shall help the personnel to safely handle the material
manually.

5.1 Safe Lifting Technique

Correct lifting procedures are to be used at all times. There are 7 positive steps to follow to
minimize the risks of injury when lifting.
1. PREPARATION
The first step in any lifting operation is preparation
. Plan how you will carry out the lift and clear away any obstacles
. By visualizing the lift, you will automatically make your stomach muscles contract.

These muscles brace your back and will significantly contribute to injury prevention

2. SIZE UP THE LOAD


By moving the load sideways and forwards you will be able to ascertain whether it is within
your capacity
. Always imagine that the object you are about to lift is much heavier than it actually is.

3. PROPER FOOT POSITION


As a general rule the front foot should be beside the object
. The back foot should be slightly behind and be hip width from the front foot
. This achieves a stable base and allows for even distribution of weight

4. PROPER HOLD
Ideally with the proper hold the hands should be diagonally opposite for security and
comfort
. Use the full length of the fingers and where possible the palms to avoid fatigue

5. BEND THE KNEES


Bend your knees to get down to the load and use the legs to lift it. This way thigh and leg
muscles are used and these are the strongest part of your body (your back muscles are only
for bracing)

6. STRAIGHT BACK
Keep your back as near to straight as possible, raise your head, keeping your chin in.
This will keep your spine straight and enable you to see where you are going

7. STRAIGHT BACK
During the lift, keep the arms, as straight as possible, and the elbows into the side
. Don’t change your grip while carrying and directly face the spot on which the load will
rest
. Never combine lifting with the twisting of your body
. If you must turn, do it by moving your feet
. Twisting causes the worst type of back injuries
. Always remember that regardless of the shape of the object, the principles of safe lifting
remain the same. When setting down objects the reverse procedure to lifting should be
applied.
By following these simple steps, you will significantly reduce the risk of injury when lifting.
5.2 Team Lifting
Whenever team lifting is used, it is essential to co-ordinate and carefully plan the lift. When
organizing a lift, ensure:
• An adequate number of employees are chosen to help in
the lift.
• Team members are of similar height.
• One person is appointed “leader” of the team to perform
the lift.
• There is enough area for the team members to maneuver as a group.
• Team members know their roles and responsibilities.
• Training in team lifting has been provided and the lift is rehearsed.
• Emergency procedures are in place.

6.0 SUMMARY
It is crucial that if you feel an item is outside of your limitation that you get assistance with
the lift or obtain mechanical assistance.
If you are not able to do this, see your supervisor.

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