Manual Handling

Manual Handling Operations

• Old thinking on Manual Handling only

thought about the weight of the load

• A new approach was required and that

the overall aim of the new approach was
an ergonomic approach that recognises
musculoskeletal disorders (WRULDs) are
due to
– Lifting
– poor posture and
– repetitive or awkward movements.
 Manual Handling Operations

• Back pain is the fourth most common

work related health complaint in the UK

• 36% of all over three day LTI’s are as a

direct result of manual handling
operations

• 50% of people forced to give up work do

so because of back related problems.
 What is a manual handling operation?
• MANUAL HANDLING OPERATIONS means
the transport or supporting of a load by
manual means

• Includes
Lifting up
Putting
down
Pushing
Pulling
Carrying
Moving
 Manual handling injuries
Manual Handling injuries are not just
confined to the back or the spine, and may
internal and/or external:
• Hernias
• Slipped Discs
• Sprains – ligament
• Strains – tendon/muscle
• Cuts and grazes
• Bruising
• Crushing
• Fracture
Main requirements for safe manual handling
(Manual Handling Strategy)
ILO C127 Maximum weight convention

• AVOID

• ASSESS

• ACTION
 Manual Handling Operations

AVOID by considering (design, automation or mechanisation)

•Design
– does a large workpiece really need to be moved, or can the activity (e.g.
wrapping or machining) safely be done where the item already is?
– can you take the treatment to the patient, not vice versa?
– can we use a hose pipe to transport water to point of use?

•Automation or mechanization
– and using handling aids
• conveyor
• pallet truck
• electric or hand-powered hoist
• fork lift truck
 Manually operated load handling equipment

Trucks and Trolleys

Pedestrian Powered Sack Pedestrian

Operated Pallet Truck Operated
Pallet Truck
Truck Trolley
 Manual Handling Operations
• ASSESS if manual handling is unavoidable SFARP by
considering

L - LOAD Weight, Size, Shape,

Stability, Contents
I - INDIVIDUAL(S) Age, Gender, Fitness,
Training, Clothing
T- TASK Distance involved, frequency,
twisting, high work rate,
periods of rest & recovery.
Excessive lifting & lowering
distances
E – Environment Lighting, Ventilation,
obstacles, staircases, floor
conditions, temperature
 Manual Handling Operations

• ACTION
On the basis of the risk assessment, the
Employer must now take action to:
– implement protective and
– preventative
measures to reduce the risk of injury
 Manual Handling Operations

EMPLOYEES DUTIES
• Avoid tasks likely to cause
injury
• Co-operate with their
Employer by making full and
proper use of all equipment
and systems of work
• If injured they must report it
Assessment – Guideline Weights
A Good Handling Technique
 A Good Handling Technique

• Assess load
• Stand with the load between the feet with one foot
slightly in front of the other
• Bend the knees, head back to keep the back straight
• Grip the load with full hand (normally opposite
corners)
• Lift with the legs
• Keep load close into the body, ideally at waist level
• Walk in direction you are facing
• No twisting
• To lower reverse the procedure
 Thank you
for
your Attention