Essential Manual Handling Tips and Best Practices
Manual handling, which involves lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads, is common in many jobs. Improper manual handling techniques can lead to serious injuries, particularly to the back.
Understanding and implementing essential manual handling tips and best practices can significantly reduce the risk of injury and enhance workplace safety.
Why is Proper Manual Handling Essential?
Proper manual handling is essential because it significantly reduces the risk of injuries, particularly to the back, muscles and joints. Improper techniques can lead to strains, sprains and long-term musculoskeletal disorders, which cause personal suffering and result in lost workdays, decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs.
By employing correct manual handling practices, individuals can ensure their own safety and well-being, while employers can maintain a healthier, more efficient workforce.
Additionally, fostering a culture of safe manual handling demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and compliance with health and safety regulations, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organisation as a whole.
Strategies for Proper Manual Handling
Manual handling tasks can be risky if not done correctly. Here are ten strategies for workers to safely handle materials and avoid injuries:
1. Assess the Load
Workers should always assess the load before lifting it. They must check the weight, size and shape to determine if it’s manageable. If the load seems too heavy or awkward, they should seek assistance or use lifting equipment. This preliminary assessment helps prevent unnecessary strain and accidents.
2. Plan the Lift
Workers should think about the route they will take and clear any obstacles. They must ensure enough space to manoeuvre and safely set down the load. This helps prevent trips and falls. Taking a moment to plan can significantly reduce the risk of injury during the task.
3. Use Proper Lifting Techniques
Workers should lift with their legs, not their backs. They should squat down, keep their back straight and lift with their legs. This reduces the strain on their back and minimises the risk of injury. Proper technique ensures that the body’s strongest muscles do the heavy lifting.
4. Keep the Load Close
Keeping the load close to the body is essential. Workers should hold the load close to their waist to maintain balance and reduce strain. This position uses the body’s strongest muscles and helps prevent injuries. Keeping the load close improves control and stability.
5. Avoid Twisting
When lifting or carrying a load, workers should avoid twisting their bodies. Instead, they should turn their whole body by moving their feet. Twisting while carrying a load can cause serious back injuries. Proper alignment protects the spine and reduces the risk of injury.
6. Take Manual Handling Training
Training on safe manual handling practices educates workers on the risks associated with manual handling, risk assessment procedures, safe lifting techniques and the proper use of equipment.
Workers can also take manual handling training online, as it offers flexibility and convenience. This allows workers to learn at their own pace and revisit key concepts as needed for revision and reinforcement.
7. Use Mechanical Aids
Workers should use mechanical aids like trolleys, hoists or forklifts whenever possible. These tools help lift and move heavy loads, reducing the physical strain on workers and preventing injuries. Utilising equipment can make tasks more efficient and safer.
8. Work in Teams
Workers should team up for heavy or awkward loads. Sharing the load with a colleague makes the task safer and easier. Teamwork ensures that the weight is distributed evenly and reduces the risk of injury. Coordinated efforts can handle larger loads with less risk.
9. Take Regular Breaks
Regular breaks are essential to prevent fatigue. Workers should take short breaks to rest their muscles, especially during prolonged manual handling tasks. Fatigue can lead to poor handling techniques and increase the risk of accidents. Regular rest periods help maintain strength and focus.
10. Enrol in IOSH Working Safely Training
Workers should take IOSH working safely training to understand the fundamentals of health and safety and their role in its implementation. This training helps workers identify various workplace hazards, including those related to manual handling and educates them on effective risk control measures. By participating in this training, workers gain valuable insights into maintaining a safe work environment and contributing to the overall safety culture of their workplace.
Consequences of Poor Manual Handling Practices
Ignoring the fundamentals of safe manual handling can have dire repercussions, such as:
Physical Injuries:
Poor manual handling practices can lead to a range of physical injuries, from minor strains to severe musculoskeletal disorders. Common injuries include back pain, herniated discs and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). These injuries not only cause immediate pain but can also lead to long-term health issues, affecting a worker’s ability to perform their job and leading to prolonged absences from work.
Financial Costs:
Businesses may face high financial costs due to lost productivity, medical treatments and legal liabilities. These expenses can be substantial, including direct costs such as compensation and medical expenses and indirect costs like operational disruptions and increased insurance premiums.
Reputational Damage:
A company known for poor health and safety practices, including manual handling, can suffer significant reputational damage. This can affect business relationships, lead to loss of clients and make it challenging to attract and retain skilled workers. A tarnished reputation can impact a company’s success and growth.
Conclusion
Manual handling is integral to many business operations, and proper management is essential to maintaining a safe working environment. By implementing best practices and ensuring ongoing education and training, businesses can considerably mitigate the risk of injuries and enhance overall productivity.
