Lifting Safely

Did you know?...

Manual 25-30% of all

Handling accidents at
work are caused
Other by incorrect
handling

You’ve only got one back - look after it!

Anybody hurt?
 Your Health

If you think your health

may affect your ability
to lift safely...or...
If you think there is any
risk of injury

TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR OR MANAGER

 Introduction
• Manual handling is • Lifting
defined as the • Carrying
transporting or • Putting down
supporting of a load
by hands or bodily • Pushing
force. This includes: • Pulling
• Moving
• Supporting
Anatomy & Injuries
• Spine - 3 main
functions.
– To protect the spinal
cord
– To allow movement.
– To support the upper
body.
 Causes of Injury.
Excessive weights
• Static muscle
work.
• Repetition of
tasks.
• Degeneration of
discs.
• Ballistic
movements.
• Individual
concerns Awkward postures
• Duration of task.
 Lifting Safely

Adopt a good
posture

Stop &
think
Position the
feet
 Put down,
then adjust

Get a
firm
grip &
lift
smoothly

Keep close to
the load
Make The Load
Easier To Handle
Fit a length of
string over the
bottom corners of
flat sheets and pad
the handle.

Always maintain an
upright posture
Always ensure you can see the
path ahead.
 Main points to consider during
team lifting

• All participants should be of similar height,

build and gender
• One person should take control of the lift,
command attention, inform others and co-
ordinate the lift
• Double the people DOES NOT MEAN
double the capacity
Over Reaching
Lifting a load, with
arms outstretched,
increases the risk of
injury,

so keep the
load close to
the body
Pushing & Pulling

Use Lifting Aids

Try to keep your back

straight

If you are pulling

backwards, take
extra care.
Use 2 people on Get close to the load.
awkward lifts
Arms taking the
weight must be
straight
 Manual Handling Operations
Work requiring lifting, carrying, pushing & pulling
must be risk assessed. Assessment covers the:
• Task
• Individual
• Load
• Environment
 Manual Handling Operations
• Employers • Employees
responsibilities responsibilities
• Avoid handling where • Make proper use of
possible equipment & follow
• Conduct assessment safe working systems
• Take steps to reduce • Co-operate with their
risks employer
• Provide load • Ensure others are not
information put at risk
 Risk assessments in practice
• Look for hazards
• Decide who might be harmed and how
• Evaluate risks/Control measures
• Record the findings of assessment
• Review / revise assessment
REMEMBER!

Think BEFORE
you lift

Avoid
Lifting
Where
Possible