Manual handling is a common task across various industries. It refers to pushing, pulling, or moving objects by hand.
While it may seem straightforward, manual handling poses significant risks to workers’ health and safety. Improper techniques, repetitive movements, and heavy loads can lead to severe injuries, particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
This article explores the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) factors surrounding manual handling, highlighting the risks, regulations, best practices, and strategies for creating a safer work environment.
Understanding the Risks of Manual Handling
Manual handling is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, particularly in industries like construction, warehousing, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The risks associated with manual handling can be grouped into several categories:
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): MSDs are injuries that affect the muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves. These injuries often result from repetitive motions, awkward postures, or handling heavy loads. Common MSDs include back pain, sprains, strains, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Slips, Trips, and Falls: Handling heavy or awkward loads can impair balance and lead to slips, trips, or falls, which can cause fractures, bruises, or more severe injuries.
Crush Injuries: Inadequate handling techniques or a failure to assess an object’s weight and stability can result in crush injuries, in which a worker’s body part is caught between objects.
Fatigue and Overexertion: Continuous manual handling without adequate breaks or rotation can lead to physical exhaustion, increasing the likelihood of errors and accidents.
Psychological Stress: The physical strain of manual handling tasks can contribute to psychological stress, especially when workers feel pressured to perform beyond their physical capabilities.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Various laws and regulations have been established to protect workers from the hazards of manual handling. Employers must comply with these standards to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees.
Some key regulations include:
Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) 1992 (UK): This regulation requires employers to avoid hazardous manual handling tasks where possible. If manual handling is unavoidable, employers must conduct risk assessments and implement measures to minimize the risk of injury.
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 1970 (USA): OSHA mandates that employers provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. While it does not have a specific standard for manual handling, OSHA provides guidelines on ergonomics and safe lifting practices.
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Australia) requires employers to manage risks associated with manual handling by conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate control measures.
Best Practices for Safe Manual Handling
Employers should implement best practices for manual handling to reduce the risk of injury.
These practices involve a combination of proper techniques, equipment, and organizational strategies:
Risk Assessment: A thorough risk assessment should be conducted before any manual handling task. This includes evaluating the load (weight, shape, and stability), the task (frequency, duration, and complexity), the environment (floor conditions, space constraints), and the worker’s capabilities (fitness, experience, and training).
Training and Education: Employees should receive comprehensive training on safe manual handling techniques. This training should cover proper lifting methods, posture, and equipment like trolleys, hoists, or lifting aids. Regular refresher courses like online manual handling training help maintain awareness and reinforce best practices.
Ergonomic Design: To reduce workers’ strain, workplaces should be designed with ergonomics in mind. This includes adjusting the height of work surfaces, ensuring loads are stored at accessible heights, and providing equipment that reduces the need for manual lifting.
Use of Mechanical Aids: Where possible, mechanical aids such as forklifts, pallet jacks, or conveyor belts should be used to minimize manual handling. These aids reduce the physical strain on workers and increase efficiency and productivity.
Team Lifting: Team lifting should be encouraged for heavy or awkward loads. Clear communication and coordination between team members are essential to ensure the load is handled safely.
Proper Lifting Techniques: Workers should be trained to follow proper lifting techniques, including:
- Standing close to the load with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bending the knees, not the back, and keeping the back straight.
- Holding the load close to the body to maintain balance.
- Avoid twisting or turning while lifting; instead, pivot with the feet.
- Lifting smoothly, without jerking, and avoiding overreaching.
Job Rotation and Rest Breaks: Employers should implement job rotation, allowing workers to switch between different tasks to prevent overexertion and repetitive strain. Regular rest breaks are also crucial to give muscles time to recover.
Incident Reporting and Monitoring: A safety culture encourages workers to report near-misses or unsafe conditions. Regular monitoring and review of manual handling practices help identify areas for improvement and prevent future injuries.
Implementing a Manual Handling Safety Program
Creating a robust manual handling safety program requires a comprehensive approach involving all organization levels. Here’s how businesses can implement such a program:
Leadership Commitment: Management must prioritize manual handling safety by allocating resources and setting clear safety objectives. This includes appointing a safety officer to oversee manual handling practices and compliance.
Employee Involvement: Engage employees in the development of manual handling procedures. Their input is valuable in identifying risks and finding practical solutions. Safety committees or focus groups can facilitate this involvement.
Continuous Improvement: Safety programs should be dynamic, with regular reviews and updates based on incident reports, risk assessments, and changes in workplace conditions. Continuous improvement should be a core principle of the program.
Performance Metrics: Establish metrics to measure the effectiveness of the manual handling safety program. This could include tracking injury rates, near misses, and compliance with safety protocols. Regularly analyzing these metrics helps in refining the program.
Conclusion
Manual handling is integral to many workplaces, but it comes with significant risks that must be managed effectively.
Employers can create a safer environment for their workers by understanding the hazards, adhering to legal requirements, and implementing best practices.
A comprehensive manual handling safety program protects employees from injury, enhances productivity, reduces costs, and fosters a culture of safety within the organisation.
In the long run, investing in manual handling safety is an investment in the well-being and success of the entire workforce.
