Manual Handling Manual Lifting Techniques and Safety Procedure

This health and safety procedure provides guidance and direction in identification of potential manual handing and lifting issues and prevention measures to help eliminate the risk of injury.

Procedure addresses safety instructions for both projects and offices of the company, additional control measures may be required depending on project and local government requirements.

Manual Handling Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

a) The most common injuries from manual handling are sprains or strains, often to the back. Sprains and strains arise from incorrect application of bodily force; poor posture and excessive repetition of movement can be important factors in their onset.

b) Many manual handling injuries are cumulative rather than being attributable to any single handling incident. A full recovery is not always made and the result can be physical impairment or even permanent disability.

c) Hands, arms and feet are also vulnerable and poor handling can also put excessive stress on the knees. If there is a risk of injury from manual handling and the operation cannot be avoided or mechanized manual handling risk assessment should be carried out prior to the operation.

Risk Checklist for Manual Handling & Lifting

Types of risk situations involving manual material lifting and handling, may include:

i. Limited space and floor conditions.

ii. Weather/temperature.

iii. Excessive carrying distances and poor handling techniques.

iv. Excessive pushing and pulling, sudden movements.

v. Limited breaks, individual capability.

vi. Poor lifting technique.

vii. Weight/size of load and physical properties of load

Control Measures for Safe Manual Handling

a) Avoidance of manual handling by:

i. Elimination of handling (can process such as machining be carried out in site).

ii. Mechanization such as fork lift trucks, hoists and cranes.

b) Task Improvement by:

i. Changing the layout or sequence of operations.

ii. Removing obstructions in the path.

iii. Replacing lifting with controlled pushing or pulling.

iv. Minimizing the need for fixed postures.

v. Ensuring the capability of the employee to carry out the task.

vi. Introducing team handling for difficult loads.

vii. Job rotation.

c) Load improvement by:

i. Reducing its weight (liquids and powders in smaller containers).

ii. Providing handles, hand grips, indents etc.

iii. Using slings or other aids if the load lacks rigidity.

iv. Making sure loads are clean and free from dust, oil and corrosive deposits.

v. Avoiding sharp corners, jagged edges and rough surfaces (if cannot be avoided provide personal protective equipment).

d) Working environment improvement by:

i. Making sure gangways and other working areas are clear.

ii. Having a properly drained surface where possible.

iii. Ensuring that temporary surfaces are prepared and kept even and firm.

iv. Cleaning spillages of water, oil etc.

v. Avoiding extremes of temperature, excessive humidity, poor ventilation and winds etc.

vi. Ensuring there is sufficient well-directed light.

e) Good Handling Techniques:

i. Size up the load (how heavy is it)

ii. What is in the load (Liquid Load)

iii. One man lift (is it too heavy or awkward to lift by oneself)

iv. Stop and think (where is load to be placed).

v. Face direction of travel (try and avoid twisting or turning whilst carrying a load)

vi. Proper placement of feet (feet apart to give firm, stable base).

vii. Adopt a good posture (bend the knees but do not kneel or over flex them. Keep back straight but lean forward over the load a little if necessary to get a good grip).

viii. Get a firm grip on object.

ix. Don’t jerk while lifting.

x. Move the feet properly (don’t twist the trunk when turning).

xi. Keep your body close to load.

xii. Put down, then adjust if necessary.