Manual Handling Safety

Overview

Manual handling injuries commonly result from excessive load weight, awkward posture, repetitive movement, poor grip or unsuitable working conditions. Every task should be assessed before work begins, and mechanical assistance should be used whenever reasonably practicable.

Main Hazards

• • Back, shoulder and neck injuries
• • Muscle strains and ligament sprains
• • Crushed fingers, hands or feet
• • Loss of balance while carrying a load
• • Dropped or uncontrolled loads
• • Awkward bending, twisting or reaching
• • Repetitive movement and cumulative strain
• • Poor visibility while carrying large objects
• • Slips and trips along the transport route
• • Unexpected movement of unstable contents

Essential Controls

1. 1Assess the load, individual capability, task and working environment before handling begins.
2. 2Eliminate unnecessary manual handling by changing the work method or delivery location.
3. 3Use cranes, hoists, forklifts, pallet trucks, trolleys or lifting aids where practicable.
4. 4Check the load weight, size, stability, sharp edges, temperature and available handholds.
5. 5Plan the route and remove obstacles, slippery materials and trip hazards.
6. 6Position the body close to the load and establish a stable stance before lifting.
7. 7Bend the knees and hips while maintaining a natural and controlled back position.
8. 8Avoid twisting the torso; turn by moving the feet.
9. 9Keep the load close to the body and between approximately knee and shoulder height.
10. 10Use team lifting only when the task is coordinated and one person controls the movement.
11. 11Separate large or heavy loads into smaller units whenever possible.
12. 12Take suitable recovery breaks during repetitive or prolonged handling work.
13. 13Stop the task if the load shifts, visibility is blocked or control cannot be maintained.
14. 14Provide training and practical instruction appropriate to the actual handling tasks.

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