Oil Energy

Manual Handling.
Manual handling is the movement loads including lifting, lowering, putting down,
pushing, pulling, carrying or moving, by hand or by bodily force. Awkward postures, poor
lifting techniques, and failing to route plan will all increase the risk of injury during
manual handling tasks.

Consider the individuals capacity:

Importance. Strength of individual
Knowledge of the load and task
Manual handling is apparent in nearly every
Training and experience
workplace in one form or another. With
manual handling being the leading cause of Consider the load and give extra controls for:
musculoskeletal disorders at work (accounting Heavy loads
for over a third of all work related illness), it’s Bulky loads
important to know how much you can safely Unstable loads
lift, and use good handling techniques. Difficult to grasp
Sharp edges
Hot or hazardous loads
Regulations. Consider the working environment:
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations Restrictions preventing good lifting
cover manual handling at work. You should postures
avoid the need for manual handling wherever Uneven, slippery, unstable floors
possible, assess the risk, reduce the need by Changes in floor level eg. steps or ramps
providing mechanical aids, and train staff in Windy or dusty atmosphere
good manual handling techniques. Overcrowding of work spaces
Employees have a duty to make full use of Extreme temperature changes
anything provided in connection with manual Physical obstructions
handling, including following advice and Poor lighting
training given.

Guidance. Questions.
1. What should you consider about the
Consider the task:
load before lifting?
Avoid twisting the trunk
2. Why should each manual handling
Avoid stooping or reaching upwards
activity be assessed?
Prevent holding at a distance from trunk
Avoid tasks that demand poor posture
Assess frequent physical effort
Avoid excessive lifting or lowering Summary.
Prevent excessive carrying distances
A risk assessment should be completed before
Prevent excessive pushing or pulling
manual handling operations commence.
Avoid sudden movement of loads
Consider hazards such as the task, the
Minimise prolonged physical effort
individual, the load and the environment.
Allow for rest or recovery periods

Toolbox Talk - Manual Handling 1/1