MANUAL HANDLING

MANUAL HANDLING
• a major risk to personnel arises from Manual
Handling
• too many days per year are lost through back
problems
• the one thing we all have in common to be
involved with Manual Handling Operation
• 27 out of every 1000 workers experiencing
injury at work.
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• to reduce the amount of accidents/incidents

Manual Handling Operation

Regulation 1992

came into force on the 1st of January 1993.

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• what is Manual Handling
– transporting or supporting of loads by hand or
bodily force
• lifting up
• putting down
• pushing
• pulling
• carrying and moving.
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• the reluctance of people to seek assistance

• the lack of knowledge concerning correct
lifting and carrying techniques.
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MACHO
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• the lack of knowledge concerning correct
lifting and carrying techniques.
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• the pain and discomfort may be prolonged and
severe
• the basic rule of Manual Handling
– if possible avoid the risk
– where it cannot be avoided reduce the risk.
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• accidents and incidents

– fatal accidents are rare

– major injuries such as fractured arms are quite
common.
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• statistics
– kind of accidents causing injury

17 Handling 34%
34 Machinery 5%
Falls 8%
Struck by 15%
21 Trips 21%
Others 17%
15 5
8
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• types of injury caused by handling accidents

5 7
7 Sprain/Strain 65%
Superficial 9%
7 Contusion 7%
Laceration 7%
9 65 Fractures 5%
Others 7%
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• sites of injuries caused by handling

3
Back 45%
13 Finger or Thumb 16%
Hand 6%
9 45 Rest or Torso 8%
Lower Limb 9%
8 Arm 13%
Other 3%
6
16
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• back injuries
– the spine has a number of functions;
• it provides support for the upper skeleton
• it protects the spinal cord
• it acts as a shock absorber.
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separated by
comprised of 24 disc
movable vertebra
(bones)

Vertebra Disc

• spine is bound together by strong ligaments

• the spinal cord (nerves) run up the center.
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• injury can cause to the
– spinal column (especially the disc),
– adjacent muscles and
– ligaments. vertebra
spinal cord

nerve being compressed

against bone

swelling from damaged disc

causing pressure on nerve
disc

damage to the spine

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WARNING

serious injury or repetitive minor injury to the

spine can lead to long term disability thus
affecting an individual’s capacity to work.
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• if there is a possibility of injury occurring due to
Manual Handling
– consideration must be given to avoid that operation and
– this can be achieved by;

The use of Lifting Equipment

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• the risk of injury can be reduced by using of
mechanical handling
– floor cranes
– sack trolleys
– lifting tables
– roller conveyors etc.

Mechanical Handling Aids

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• Manual Handling Operation can not be avoided
– assessment must be conducted.

Risk Assessments can prevent injuries

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• areas to be considered
– the task
– the load
– the working environment
– the individual’s capability.
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• the task
– refers to the specific actions, postures and
movements
• the distance of the load from the trunk
• unsatisfactory body movement or posture
• carrying loads over long distance
• strenuous pushing and pulling
• sudden unpredicted movement of load
• frequency of handling loads
• insufficient rest and recovery periods.
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• the load
– important point to remember is the weight of the
load
– also consider
• is it very hot/very cold
• is it sharp
• is it slippery/difficult to grasp
• is it unstable (containing a liquid).
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• when assessing the environment
– constraint on space and posture
– poor floor surfaces, eg uneven, sloping, trip
hazards, spillages (oil, mud)
– variations in levels
– extremes of temperature and humidity
– strong air movement
– poor lighting.
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• individual capability
– age
– sex
– health*
– fitness
– strength
– height.
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• basic principles
– keep the back straight
– use the leg muscles
– keep the load close to the body
– keep the elbows close to the side
– use a “palm” grip
– position the feet correctly.
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• plan your lift
– size up the load
– decide on the route you will take.
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• position yourself correctly
– get as close as you can to the load
– place your feet about shoulder width apart, straddling the
load if possible
– bend your knees
– do not bend at your waist or extend your
upper body.
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• lift correctly
– let your legs do the work
– don’t twist your body
– make sure you can see over your load.
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general attitude towards Manual Handling

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• being at the limit of his capacity
• the slightest stumble would cause a painful jarring

Too heavy a load, uneven surfaces

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• the correct weight is to carry just enough weight
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Wrong Posture – Legs straight, back bent

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Right Posture – Legs bent, Back straight

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• team lifting
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• bulky loads
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• carrying long distances
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it is as easy to get it right as to get it wrong

which way do you prefer?

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