Element -8 Hazard and control associated with manual handling and repetitive movement

Element -8

Hazard and control associated with manual handling  and repetitive movement

·         Hazard from manual handling and repetitive activities

·         Control measures

Manual Handling

·         The element focuses on risk from manual handling and repetitive movements

·         Manual handling activities, if not properly managed, can give rise to muscular – skeletal injuries such as back pain.

Reason to know

Manual handling cause over a third of all workplace injuries. These include work related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) such as pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts.

On Completion of this element you should be able to:

1.      Identify the hazards from manaual handling and repetitive physical activities

2.      Identify ways of controlling risks from manual handling and ergonomics risks.

Definitions:

1.      Manual handling: Manual handling is the transporting (Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling) or supporting or a load by hand or by bodily force OR Moving  or supporting a load by hand or bodily force

2.      Muscular-skeletal injuries: Any injuries or diseases of the muscles of the body and skeleton together, the most common being to the back.

3.      Ergonomic: Science of assessing the relationship between workers and their work environment.

4.      Display Screen Equipment (DSE):  Any equipment which use an electronic display screen, such as a computer.

Manual Handling: Moving or supporting a load by hand or bodily force.

This includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing and carrying of.

1.      Non-living objects ex. Bags, Parcels, boxes etc.

2.      Live objects ex: people and animals

Injuries due to manual handling may be classified under to main heading:

·         External

·         Internal

External Injuries: Cuts, bruises, crush injuries, laceration to fingers, hand, forearms, ankles and feet. (Generally these types of injuries are not as serious as internal injuries)

Internal Injuries: Muscle and ligament tears, hernias. Slipped discs, knee, ankle and shoulder injuries.

One of the most serious injuries is the herniated invertebrate disc (slipped disc) which results in frequent capacity and may even be permanently damaging.

For any lifting activity always take into account:

·         Individual capability

·         Nature of load

·         Environmental condition

·         Training

·         Work organization

If you need to use lifting equipment

·         Consider whether you can use a lifting aid, such as a forklift truck, electric or hand powered lift or a conveyor.

·         Reduce carrying distance where possible.

If you need to lift something manually

·         Reduce the amount of twisting, stooping (bent over) and reaching.

·         Avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height especially heavy loads.

·         Adjust storage areas to minimize the need to carry out such movements

·         Consider how you can minimize carrying distance

·         Assess the weight to be carried and whether the worker can move the load safely or need any help.

Good handling technique for lifting

There are some simple things to do before and during the lift/ carry:

·         Remove obstraction from the route

·         For a long lift plan to rest and load mid- way on a table or bench to charge grip

·         Keep the load close to the waist. The load should be kept close to the body for as long as possible while lifting.

·         Keep the heaviest side to the load next to the body

·         Adopt a stable position and make sure your feet are apart, with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance.

Think before lifting / handling: Plan the lift. Can handling aids be used? Where is the load going to be placed? Will help be needed with the load? Remove obstructions such as unwanted packaging materials. For a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.

Adopt a stable position: The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance (along the load. If it is on the ground). The worker should be prepared to move their feet during the lift to maintain their stability. Avoid tight clothing or unstable footwear. Which may make this difficult.

Get a good hold: Where possible the load should be hold as close as possible to the body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.

Start in a good position:  At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (bent over) or fully flexing the hips and knees (sit on your heels)

Don’t bend the back any further while lifting: This can happen if the legs being to straighten before starting to raise the load.

Keep the load close to the abdomen: Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it.

Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways:  Especially while the back is bent, shoulders should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning by moving the feet is better than twisting the lifting at the same time.

Keep the Head up when handling: Look ahead, not down at the load, once it has been held securely.

Move Smoothly: The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder to keep control and can increase the risk of injury.

Don’t Lift or handle more than can be easily managed: There is a difference between what people can lift and what they can safely lift. If in doubt seek advice or get help.

Put Down, and then adjust: If specific positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into the desired position.

When undertaking a manual handling risk assessment below heading should be considered:

1.      Load

2.      Individual capacity

3.      Task

4.      Environment

Load: Factors to consider with the load include:

1.      Weight

2.      Size

3.      Shape

4.      Stiffness

5.      Outside surface

6.      Stability of contents

7.      Other hazards Ex. Hot, cold, sharp, etc.

Individual Capacity: Factors relating to the individual include:

1.      Sex

2.      Physical strength

3.      Stature

4.      Level of training

5.      Hazard to pregnant women

6.      Persons perception of their own ability

Task: Factors relating to the task should include:

1.      Holding loads away from truck

2.      Twisting

3.      Stooping (bent over)

4.      Reaching

5.      Large vertical movements

6.      Distance involved

7.      Strenuous pulling or pushing

8.      Repetitive handling

9.      Unpredictable movement of load

10.  Insufficient rest or recovery

11.  A work- rate imposed by the process

Practical measures to avoid manual handling injuries:

v  Avoid manual handling if possible

v  Risk reduction

v  Automation and mechanization

v  Team handling

v  Training

v  Smaller lighter load

v  Selection

v  Good environmental working conditions.