Video: Simple but Critical Steps for Effective Manual Handling Training

Over exertion is the primary cause of workplace injury, through a range of different methods such as dragging, lifting, or carrying objects for too long or objects that are simply too heavy to be moved without the use of machinery. How can these accidents be prevented or significantly reduced through manual handling training using simple but not always obvious measures?

A short description of physical methods of lifting and moving such as simply bending your knees, are clearly mentioned in this video. Sufficient manual handling training for the work involved, along with refresher training if safety issues change or need to be remembered are also important.  

The discipline that goes into a safety program will spill over into production and quality control. People will be more aware of safety and how they do their jobs (Ben Church, Kaiser Industries).

The most common effects of strenuous manual handling are cuts and fractures due to unexpected accidents, along with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which occur over time.

MSDs are injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. They can be divided into:

  • Neck and upper limb disorders
  • Lower limb disorders
  • Back pain and back injuries

This video mentions the importance of a risk assessment, considering these accidents before work begins and using them to plan manual handling training. Risk assessment involves the steps of:

  1. Identifying all the main stages of the task.
  2. Gathering technical details such as weight and size of the workload.
  3. Deciding on possible problems and risk factors.
  4. Once the risk factors have been identified, what changes can be made to prevent accidents occurring? For example, choosing mechanical carrying devices for a certain weight or distance of movement.
  5. Review the effectiveness of these measures as the project goes on.

The video would help you to quickly understand the most important methods of manual handling training.

Jenny Snook

Jenny Snook is content executive at GoContractor with the job of researching the latest health and safety trends in the heavy industry. Her past-experience includes the research of large museum collections such as the Louth County Museum, many from the industrial age.