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Manual Material Handling: WWW - Doas.georgia - Gov/risk
Manual Material Handling: WWW - Doas.georgia - Gov/risk
Manual Material Handling: WWW - Doas.georgia - Gov/risk
Manual
Material
Handling
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Back Injuries…
• They are exceedingly painful, difficult to heal, and have
an affect on everything you do.
• After suffering one back injury, you are much more likely
to experience another one later.
• The most costly type of injury for the State of Georgia.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than
one million workers suffer back injuries each year; and
back injuries account for one of every five workplace
injuries.
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Risk Management Services
Injuries
Sprain
• Injury or tear of ligaments.
• Ligaments are tough connective tissue that connect
bone to bone.
Strain
• Injury to muscles that have been stretched or used
too much.
• Both strains and sprains irritate the muscles around
them.
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Risk Management Services
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Risk Management Services
Our Backs
• The spine’s vertebrae are held together by
ligaments.
• Muscles are attached to the vertebrae by
bands of tissue called tendons (think of them
as rubber bands).
• Between each vertebra is a cushion known as
a disc (think of it as a pad or pillow).
• Spinal Column (think of the vertebrae as
building blocks).
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Risk Management Services
Our Backs
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Risk Management Services
5 pounds
10 pounds
15 pounds
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Risk Management Services
You’re right!
It takes 10 pounds of pressure to lift a 10
pound object.
Will it take more or less force to lift the same
10 pound object with the fulcrum shifted to
one side?
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Risk Management Services
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www.doas.georgia.gov/risk
Risk Management Services
Risky Moves!
Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should
think:
DANGER! My back is at risk!
Heavy lifting...especially repetitive
lifting over a long period of time.
Twisting at the waist while lifting or
holding a heavy load. (This frequently
happens when using a shovel).
Reaching and lifting...over your head,
across a table or out the back of a truck.
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Risk Management Services
Risky Moves!
Common Lifting Errors
• Poor planning
• Poor communication
• Insufficient strength
• Lifting with flexed spine and the legs straight
• Using a fast, jerky movement
• Bending and twisting at the same time
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Risk Management Services
Manual Handling
Seek help:
• When a load is too bulky to properly
grasp or lift.
• When you can’t see around or over the
load.
• When you can’t safely handle the load.
• Attach handles to loads to reduce the
chances of getting fingers smashed.
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Risk Management Services
Safe Lifting
•Break load into parts.
•Get help with heavy or bulky
items.
•Lift with legs, keep back straight,
do not twist.
•Use handling aids such as steps,
trestles, shoulder pads, handles,
and wheels.
•Avoid lifting above shoulder level.
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Risk Management Services
Contributing Factors
Poor posture…
…is another contributing factor. When your
mother told you to sit and stand up straight,
she was giving you good advice. It is best to
try to maintain the back in its natural "S"
shaped curve. You want to avoid leaning
forward (unsupported) when you sit,
or hunching over while you're standing.
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Risk Management Services
Contributing Factors
Poor Physical Condition
Your stomach muscles provide a lot of the
support needed by your back. If you have weak,
flabby stomach muscles, your back may not get
all the support it needs, especially when you're
lifting or carrying heavy objects. Good physical
condition, in general, is important for preventing
strains, sprains, and other injuries.
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Risk Management Services
Contributing Factors
Extra weight…
can be a big problem. Remember the fulcrum/lever principle?
The more you weigh, the more stress it puts on your back every
time you bend over--on a 10:1 ratio. That pot belly is not helping
the health of your back.
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Risk Management Services
Injury Prevention
Analysis Tools
• The closer to the body the
more strength you have.
• Other tools:
▪ ACGIH Lifting TLV
▪ NIOSH Lifting Equation
• Most models show
approximately 35 pounds
to be the maximum load
for repeated lifting.
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Injury Prevention
Use carts and dollies to move objects, instead of carrying them
yourself. (Remember that it is better on your back to push carts
than it is to pull them).
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Risk Management Services
Injury Prevention
Avoid lifting and bending
whenever you can.
Raise/lower shelves.
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Risk Management Services
Injury Prevention
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When lifting a box, think out of the box!
• Is there a better way?
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Risk Management Services
Injury Prevention
Reducing frequent lifts:
• Use mechanical assistance
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Risk Management Services
Proper Lifting
• You can't always avoid lifting, but there are ways
to reduce the amount of pressure placed on the
back when you do so.
Proper Lifting
BEFORE YOU LIFT
• Plan Your Route: Path clear? Trip hazards removed? Dry?
• Assess the Load: Too heavy? Can I use a hand truck or forklift?
Can I slide it?
WHEN YOU LIFT
• Lift It Right: Position your body close to the object. Keep your
back straight.
• Lower It Right: When you put the load down, bend your knees not
your waist.
GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT
• Work Together: Don't be a hero. Communicate with your partner!
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Risk Management Services
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Conclusion
Point Take-A-Way
Basic anatomy of the back Blocks, rubber bands, pillows
Forces involved with lifting 1:10 ratio,
Keep load close to body
Risky moves associated with lifting No twisting with loads
No reaching
Contributing factors to materials Fitness, age, walking surfaces
handling injuries
Injury prevention Reduce your lifts, THINK!
Mechanical help
Proper lifting procedures Elevator vs. Crane
Use proper lift for load
Body Management Stretch, Exercise, Rest as needed
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