Manual Handling
Know the Risks
Work that involves manual handling activities is the leading cause of back injury in the workplace. Back injuries at work are the most frequent and some of the most severe injuries amongst workers; accounting for a large number of workers’ compensation costs.What is manual handling?
Manual handling covers much more than lifting or lowering an object. It includes pushing, carrying, holding, lifting, and activities that involve awkward positions and repetitive actions.How does manual handling affect workers?
Manual handling of loads may cause: • Cumulative disorders due to gradual and cumulative deterioration of the musculoskeletal system through continuous lifting/handling activities, e.g., low back pain • Acute trauma, such as cuts or fractures due to accidents
What makes manual handling hazardous?
There are several risk factors that make manual handling hazardous and thereby, increase the possibility of injury. Particularly for back injury, they are related to four aspects of manual handling: 1. The load The risk of back injury increases if the load is: • Too heavy • Too large • Difficult to grasp • Unbalance or unstable 2. The task The risk of back injury increases if the task is: • Too strenuous • Involves awkward postures or movements • Involves repetitive handling 3. The environment The following characteristics of the work environment may increase the risk of back injury: • Insufficient space for manual handling • An uneven, unstable or slippery floor • Insufficient lighting 4. The individual Some individual factors might affect the risk of back injury: • Lack of experience, training and familiarity with the job • Age • Physical dimensions and capacity such as height, weight and strength • Prior history of back disorders Download our ebook on manual handling now
