Manual Handling
Know the Risks
Work that involves manual handling activities is the leading cause of back injury in the workplace. Back injuries at work are the most frequent and some of the most severe injuries amongst workers; accounting for a large number of workers’ compensation costs.
What is manual handling?
Manual handling covers much more than lifting or lowering an object. It includes pushing, carrying, holding, lifting, and activities that involve awkward positions and repetitive actions.
How does manual handling affect workers?
Manual handling of loads may cause:
• Cumulative disorders due to gradual and cumulative deterioration of the musculoskeletal system through continuous lifting/handling activities, e.g., low back pain
• Acute trauma, such as cuts or fractures due to accidents
What makes manual handling hazardous?
There are several risk factors that make manual handling hazardous and thereby, increase the possibility of injury. Particularly for back injury, they are related to four aspects of manual handling:
1. The load The risk of back injury increases if the load is:
• Too heavy
• Too large
• Difficult to grasp
• Unbalance or unstable
2. The task The risk of back injury increases if the task is:
• Too strenuous
• Involves awkward postures or movements
• Involves repetitive handling
3. The environment The following characteristics of the work environment may increase the risk of back injury:
• Insufficient space for manual handling
• An uneven, unstable or slippery floor
• Insufficient lighting
4. The individual Some individual factors might affect the risk of back injury:
• Lack of experience, training and familiarity with the job
• Age
• Physical dimensions and capacity such as height, weight and strength
• Prior history of back disorders
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High Risk Work Practices
• Handling awkward shapes or big loads
• Handling weights that are beyond the worker’s capacity
• Over-reaching position (lifting from below mid-thigh or above shoulder height)
• Handling where the work surface is unstable
• Repetitive or long duration manual handling
• Carrying objects away from the body
• Awkward twisting of the body
• Obstructed pathways
• Insecure grip and poor lifting position with the feet too close together
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Preventing manual handling problems
Prevention of manual handling problems is best achieved by good workplace design and the use of mechanical lifting aids. If manual lifting is unavoidable, follow these principals to avoid back injury:
• Consider your physical ability to handle the load; if in doubt, get assistance
• Avoid lifting loads more than 16 – 20kg
• Place your feet close to the object and keep a balanced position; bend the knees in a semi squat to a comfortable degree and get a good handhold
• Keep the natural curves in the spine while lifting
• Use your leg muscles to lift the load (prevent sudden accelerations or jerky movements, and do not twist at the hips or shoulders during foot movement)
• Set the load down by using your leg muscles, lower the load by bending your knees in a semi squat to a comfortable degree
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What to do if you injure your back ?
If you suffer from symptoms of back injury, seek medical treatment immediately. Describe your work task to the doctor, inform your employer and also the health and safety representative at work. Early reporting allows the workplace to take action to prevent further complaints and can reduce the likelihood of long term disability.
