Manual Handling Injury

Prevention
Top Ten Tips for Safe Manual Handling
Practices at Work
1) Conduct a manual handling risk assessment
Risk assessments are essential to review all the risks present in the workplace and to find the
right solutions to reduce the identified risks. If you need help conducting a comprehensive risk
assessment of your workplace.

2) Provide your Employees with the Right Manual Handling Training

When we mean training, we don’t refer to an impromptu discussion session with a few
PowerPoint slides. Instead, we refer to a proper Workplace manual handling training that is
up-to-date and in-line with the latest workplace laws and legislation. All workplace training
should meet the guidelines specified by the local laws and regulations.

3) Use Mechanical Tools and Aids

Wherever possible use mechanical tools and aids. It’s always safer to lift using a sack truck,
trolley, forklift or wheelbarrow, rather than relying on manual force.

© 2012 Halliburton. All rights reserved.

 4) Plan before you Start
This is crucial. Instead, of lifting things randomly, train employees to have a specific plan.
Where is the particular item going? Can it be lifted alone or do employees require help? Is the
pathway clear of obstructions? Is there enough space in the destination for the object to be
placed?
These are some of the questions to be addressed before employees start lifting.

5) Wear the Right Clothing

Tight fitting clothes, unsuitable footwear impact the process. Ensure that employees wear the
appropriate clothing before they do any manual handling. Also provide them with the right
protective gear like helmets, gloves and more.

6) Know the Limits

If a particular load is too heavy, then instruct employees not to lift it alone and get the help of
others or use a mechanical aid.

7) Push than Pull

When it comes to manual handling pushing is always safer compared to pulling. When you pull,
you risk the chances of damaging a large number of muscles. While pushing, just make sure
that the route is clear from obstacles (both human and other objects).

8) Bend the Knees

If there is one mantra to follow while lifting, then it is this – bend at the knees to pick up the
load. Don’t bend your back, as you could end up damaging your back muscles.
The Halliburton Life Rules are a set of core factors that affect personal safety that
all Halliburton employees know and live by. These are key components for
identifying and managing the hazards in our business.

© 2014 Halliburton. All rights reserved.

 9) Keep your Head High
While moving heavy loads always lift your head high. This not only keeps you focused on where you are
going but aligns your spine and neck in the correct position, thereby preventing injuries.

10) Hug the Load

Keeping the load close to the body reduces the strain on the back. Also, avoid leaning or
twisting while carrying heavy loads, as this places heavy strains on the spine.

Thanks for listening

The Halliburton Life Rules are a set of core factors that affect personal safety that
all Halliburton employees know and live by. These are key components for
identifying and managing the hazards in our business.

© 2014 Halliburton. All rights reserved.