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Manual Handling

The document discusses the importance of proper manual handling techniques to prevent back injuries. It defines manual handling as any activity that involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering, or supporting loads. Poor form such as bending and twisting can stress the spine and discs, increasing the risk of injury. Employers must evaluate lifting tasks to identify hazards and ensure safe lifting practices, such as using proper posture, lifting aids, and personal protective equipment.

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36 views2 pages

Manual Handling

The document discusses the importance of proper manual handling techniques to prevent back injuries. It defines manual handling as any activity that involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering, or supporting loads. Poor form such as bending and twisting can stress the spine and discs, increasing the risk of injury. Employers must evaluate lifting tasks to identify hazards and ensure safe lifting practices, such as using proper posture, lifting aids, and personal protective equipment.

Uploaded by

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

ITS IMPORTANCE
“MANUAL HANDLING INVOLVES ANY TRANSPORTING OR SUPPORTING OF ANY 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 UNFAVOURABLE ERGONOMIC
CONDITIONS, INVOLVES RISK, PARTICULARLY OF BACK INJURY, TO EMPLOYEES.”

DO I NEED TO ASSESS EVERY MANUAL HANDLING


TASK?
Manual Handling is a physical activity that takes place a every
workplace, and in some cases the activity does not pose problem.
However it can be a potential workplace hazard when an employee is
required to handle very heavy loads, which could result in a back injury.
The type of manual handling activity that needs to be assessed is
defined in Regulation 68 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work,
(General Application) Regulations 2007.

WHY DOES MANUAL HANDLING RESULT IN A


RISK OF INJURY OR ILL HEALTH?
Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of injury and
damage to a disc. Bending over results in pressure on the discs, and
may also cause a disc to bulge backward towards the spine. Twisting
and bending together put the greatest stress on the spine, especially
on the discs, and are examples of work conditions that increase the risk
of back injury.

IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY THAT YOU


EVALUATE AND UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING
Recognize the Potential Hazards.
Understand unfamiliar Handling Operations.
Know how to use Handling Aids.
Use Personal protective Equipment.
Appreciate Environmental Factors Contribute to Safety.
Be a good Housekeeper.
Realise your own capacity.
.

CHECKS TO PERFORM

DANGER: Are there any sharp corners, nails, etc?.


BALANCE: Is the load stable enough to grip & lift?.
PLANNING: Is your route clear with no obstructions?.
REST: Are you able to have a rest needed?.
DESTINATION: Do you know where you are going to?.
PROTECTION: Are you wearing appropriate PPE?.

https://europlanservices.com Info@europlanservices.com
Manual Handling
5 PRINCIPLES OF MANUAL HANDLING
PRACTICE A GOOD TECHNIQUE

PLAN

Before undertaking manual handling (whether that's


lifting, pushing or pulling a load), ensure that your
path is clear. Check for obstructions and ensure there
are no trip hazards or slip risks.

POSITION
When making a movement it is important to
establish a good posture and position. Centre your
body and feet correctly, keeping your feet apart for
maximum stability.

LIFT
Again, this involves maintaining a good posture. When
lifting a load, keep the load close to your body and
use your legs to lift it - making sure not to strain your
back.

PROCEED
Keep the load close to your body during movement to
reduce the risk of bending or straining your back.
Whether you are lifting an item or pushing a wheeled
load, keep your head and spine upright and avoid
twisting.

PLACE
When you lower an object after lifting, bend your
knees and use your leg muscles to lower the load.
Smooth movements are essential to preventing
strains or injury.

https://europlanservices.com Info@europlanservices.com

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