manual handling prepared by: marcel royrevision 3: dec 2005 surpluselectricalcompany hse

MANUAL HANDLINGMANUAL HANDLING

Prepared by: Marcel RoyPrepared by: Marcel RoyRevision 3: Dec 2005Revision 3: Dec 2005

SURPLUSELECTRICALCOMPANYSURPLUSELECTRICALCOMPANYHSEHSE

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IntroductionIntroduction Back injuries caused by people having to lift, carry and handle Back injuries caused by people having to lift, carry and handle

excessive loads are the number one occupational health problem excessive loads are the number one occupational health problem in the workplace. Back pain is the greatest single cause of lost in the workplace. Back pain is the greatest single cause of lost work time.work time.

General sprains and strains tend to be the largest single General sprains and strains tend to be the largest single compensation item and account for approximately 35% of all compensation item and account for approximately 35% of all claims. Of this 35%, strained backs are the largest single group.claims. Of this 35%, strained backs are the largest single group.

1998 Shaw had 31 back injuries and 10 shoulder strains.1998 Shaw had 31 back injuries and 10 shoulder strains. 1999 Shaw had 52 back injuries and 18 shoulder strains.1999 Shaw had 52 back injuries and 18 shoulder strains. 2000 Shaw had 26 back injuries and 16 shoulder strains. (Jan-Jul)2000 Shaw had 26 back injuries and 16 shoulder strains. (Jan-Jul)

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The Human SpineThe Human Spine Back pain usually is defined Back pain usually is defined

as acute, chronic or as acute, chronic or intermittent pain occurring in intermittent pain occurring in the back, from the neck to the the back, from the neck to the base of the spine (coccyx). base of the spine (coccyx). Terms commonly used to Terms commonly used to describe this problem include:describe this problem include:

Lower back painLower back pain FibrositisFibrositis LumbagoLumbago Sacroiliac painSacroiliac pain Slipped discSlipped disc

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VertebraeVertebrae The spine is composed of The spine is composed of

bony segments known as bony segments known as vertebrae linked with discs of vertebrae linked with discs of cartilage and held together by cartilage and held together by ligaments and muscles. Of ligaments and muscles. Of the 33 bones in the spine, 24 the 33 bones in the spine, 24 permit movement and are permit movement and are made up of:made up of:

7 neck vertebrae (cervical)7 neck vertebrae (cervical) 12 chest vertebrae 12 chest vertebrae

(thoracic)(thoracic) 5 lower back (lumbar)5 lower back (lumbar)

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Intervertebral DiscsIntervertebral Discs Between each of these movable Between each of these movable

vertebrae are discs of fibrous vertebrae are discs of fibrous tissue which are called the tissue which are called the intervertebral discs. Each disk intervertebral discs. Each disk consists of an outer rubber consists of an outer rubber coating called the annulus and an coating called the annulus and an inner semi-gelatinous fluid called inner semi-gelatinous fluid called the nucleus. There are 3 main the nucleus. There are 3 main functions of the discs and they functions of the discs and they are:are: To assist in binding the To assist in binding the

vertebrae togethervertebrae together To permit movement of To permit movement of

individual vertebraeindividual vertebrae To transmit body weight and To transmit body weight and

to act as shock absorbers.to act as shock absorbers.

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Back InjuriesBack Injuries

Back injuries are basically of two Back injuries are basically of two typetype

Intervertebral Disc InjuriesIntervertebral Disc Injuries Muscle and Ligament InjuriesMuscle and Ligament Injuries

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Intervertebral Disc InjuriesIntervertebral Disc Injuries The spine is the shape of an The spine is the shape of an

elongated S, it is curved forward elongated S, it is curved forward in the neck and loin and in the neck and loin and backwards in the chest. When backwards in the chest. When the torso is in the upright position, the torso is in the upright position, compressible forces placed upon compressible forces placed upon the spine, whilst lifting, carrying, the spine, whilst lifting, carrying, pulling and so on are distributed pulling and so on are distributed throughout the whole length of throughout the whole length of the spine. Forces are distributed the spine. Forces are distributed fairly evenly over the whole disc fairly evenly over the whole disc surface. When the spine is bent, surface. When the spine is bent, most of the stress is thrown upon most of the stress is thrown upon the parts where bending occurs. the parts where bending occurs. This is usually in the lower back This is usually in the lower back region where movement is most region where movement is most free.free.

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Intervertebral Disc InjuriesIntervertebral Disc Injuries Bending the spine, even without Bending the spine, even without

lifting a load can impose lifting a load can impose compressional forces of up to compressional forces of up to 200kg at some points in the back. 200kg at some points in the back. With the addition of a load this With the addition of a load this stress can be significantly higher. stress can be significantly higher. Side lifts and lifting while the Side lifts and lifting while the spine is twisted cause the stress spine is twisted cause the stress to be applied to one side of the to be applied to one side of the discs and in effect pinches them discs and in effect pinches them between the vertebrae. Extrusion between the vertebrae. Extrusion of the disc centre can compress of the disc centre can compress nerve roots and cause great nerve roots and cause great discomfort and pain in the region discomfort and pain in the region below the hips. This is commonly below the hips. This is commonly referred to as “slipped disc”.referred to as “slipped disc”.

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Muscle and Ligament InjuriesMuscle and Ligament Injuries Strong elastic ligament surround and bind the bones and discs Strong elastic ligament surround and bind the bones and discs

together, while the muscles which are attached to the vertebrae together, while the muscles which are attached to the vertebrae allow the trunk to move.allow the trunk to move.

The majority of back aches are due to strains and injuries to the The majority of back aches are due to strains and injuries to the ligaments and muscles that support the bones.ligaments and muscles that support the bones.

Back injuries often occur due to one of the following:Back injuries often occur due to one of the following: Rotation takes place during liftingRotation takes place during lifting The load is lifted away from the bodyThe load is lifted away from the body Jerking takes place during liftingJerking takes place during lifting Loss of balance while liftingLoss of balance while lifting Lifting on an unstable surfaceLifting on an unstable surface Working heights is too high or too lowWorking heights is too high or too low Long periods of static postures have to be maintained.Long periods of static postures have to be maintained.

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What is Manual Handling?What is Manual Handling? Manual handling can be described as any task requiring the Manual handling can be described as any task requiring the

manipulation of objects by humans. It can be performed by an manipulation of objects by humans. It can be performed by an individual, or two or more people as part of a team, with or individual, or two or more people as part of a team, with or without the aid of mechanical devices. Manual handling describes without the aid of mechanical devices. Manual handling describes the process whereby a person moves materials, items or people.the process whereby a person moves materials, items or people.

As well as lifting there are many other activities that come under As well as lifting there are many other activities that come under the manual handling umbrella, and the include:the manual handling umbrella, and the include: pushingpushing pullingpulling carryingcarrying slidingsliding wheelingwheeling operation of leversoperation of levers

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What is Manual Handling?What is Manual Handling?

Manual handling may lead to both Manual handling may lead to both acute and chronic injuryacute and chronic injury

Of all the manual handling tasks, Of all the manual handling tasks, lifting and carrying are the two lifting and carrying are the two greatest concern as they usually greatest concern as they usually subject the body to the greatest subject the body to the greatest strain.strain.

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Hierarchy of Control Measures Hierarchy of Control Measures for Manual Handlingfor Manual Handling

There must be a strategy in place to There must be a strategy in place to control all potential hazards in the control all potential hazards in the workplace. To control manual workplace. To control manual handling hazards the hierarchy of handling hazards the hierarchy of control measures should be control measures should be addressed by following these steps:addressed by following these steps:

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1. Must the Load be Moved?1. Must the Load be Moved? Can the manual handling task be Can the manual handling task be

avoided all together, that is, can avoided all together, that is, can we avoid moving the load.we avoid moving the load.

DO NOTDO NOT move loads that do not move loads that do not need to be moved. Proper need to be moved. Proper planning and organization can planning and organization can result in elimination of most result in elimination of most manual handling.manual handling.

Attention to material flow may Attention to material flow may indicate ways of minimizing indicate ways of minimizing movement of materials in the first movement of materials in the first place.place.

However, if the load must be However, if the load must be moved then the next question is:moved then the next question is:

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2. Must it be Lifted?2. Must it be Lifted? Some loads can be slid, Some loads can be slid,

pushed, rolled, poured or pushed, rolled, poured or pumped, removing the need pumped, removing the need to lift.to lift.

DO NOTDO NOT lift a load that does lift a load that does not need to be lifted.not need to be lifted.

Where lifting is necessary, the Where lifting is necessary, the next step in the hierarchy of next step in the hierarchy of control measures is control measures is consideration of “engineering consideration of “engineering solutions”.solutions”.

If the load needs to be lifted If the load needs to be lifted the next question is:the next question is:

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3. Can it be Moved 3. Can it be Moved Mechanically?Mechanically?

If there is a suitable crane, If there is a suitable crane, forklift truck, winch, hand forklift truck, winch, hand truck or the like available truck or the like available to handle the load, then it to handle the load, then it should be used.should be used.

DO NOTDO NOT manually handle manually handle a load that can be moved a load that can be moved mechanically.mechanically.

If mechanical assistance is If mechanical assistance is not available the next not available the next question is:question is:

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4. Can the Load be Reduced?4. Can the Load be Reduced?

Perhaps into smaller and lighter Perhaps into smaller and lighter components.components.

If not, we must carefully consider If not, we must carefully consider the load’s bulk, the distance it the load’s bulk, the distance it must be moved and its difficulty must be moved and its difficulty in handling. Dividing a load will in handling. Dividing a load will reduce its weight and bulk, reduce its weight and bulk, clearing a more direct path will clearing a more direct path will reduce the distance, and better reduce the distance, and better containerization will reduce the containerization will reduce the difficulty of handling.difficulty of handling.

DO NOTDO NOT carry a load that is carry a load that is excessive in weight, bulk, excessive in weight, bulk, distance of lift or difficulty of distance of lift or difficulty of handling.handling.

Finally the last resort is the Finally the last resort is the human factor.human factor.

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5. Can Assistance be Gained?5. Can Assistance be Gained?

Some loads require a Some loads require a team lift, or at least team lift, or at least two people to handle two people to handle the size, bulk or the size, bulk or weight.weight.

DO NOTDO NOT lift on your lift on your own if a team lift is own if a team lift is required.required.

Whether assistance is Whether assistance is available or not, there available or not, there is one final question is one final question which must be asked, which must be asked, and it is:and it is:

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6. Is the Load too Heavy to 6. Is the Load too Heavy to Safely Lift?Safely Lift?

In other words, is the load In other words, is the load within your own lifting within your own lifting capacity?capacity?

If the load is not too heavy If the load is not too heavy the lifter(s) can proceed, the lifter(s) can proceed, ensuring they follow ensuring they follow correct lifting techniques.correct lifting techniques.

DO NOTDO NOT lift a load that is lift a load that is too bulky, too awkward, or too bulky, too awkward, or is not with your is not with your comfortable lifting comfortable lifting capacity.capacity.

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SummarySummary

1. Must the load be moved?1. Must the load be moved?

2. Must it be lifted?2. Must it be lifted?

3. Can it be moved mechanically?3. Can it be moved mechanically?

4. Can the load be reduced?4. Can the load be reduced?

5. Can assistance be gained?5. Can assistance be gained?

6. Is the load too heavy to safely lift?6. Is the load too heavy to safely lift?

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Nature of the LoadNature of the Load

A load may be difficult to A load may be difficult to handle safely because it is:handle safely because it is: Too heavy, large or too Too heavy, large or too

awkward.awkward. Too soft to controlToo soft to control Unbalanced, unstable Unbalanced, unstable

or the contents liable to or the contents liable to movemove

Contains moving partsContains moving parts Difficult to gripDifficult to grip Poorly positioned.Poorly positioned.

PHYSICAL HAZARDSPHYSICAL HAZARDS Object may have Object may have

sharp edgessharp edges Hot or cold to the Hot or cold to the

touchtouch May contain May contain

chemicals that chemicals that could be spilled or could be spilled or leak.leak.

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Working ConditionsWorking Conditions Any manual handling task will be made more Any manual handling task will be made more

hazardous if it has to be performed in difficult or hazardous if it has to be performed in difficult or unfavorable working conditions.unfavorable working conditions.

The layout of the work area should take into The layout of the work area should take into account the distance over which typical loads account the distance over which typical loads have to be moved and the height of shelves and have to be moved and the height of shelves and tables.tables.

Gangways and working areas should be Gangways and working areas should be significantly spacious to allow easy significantly spacious to allow easy maneuverability. Floors and other walking maneuverability. Floors and other walking surfaces should be level and firm as well as free surfaces should be level and firm as well as free from obstructions.from obstructions.

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Personal Limitations of the Personal Limitations of the IndividualIndividual

Lifting, carrying and moving loads consumes Lifting, carrying and moving loads consumes muscular energy. People vary enormously in muscular energy. People vary enormously in their capacity to produce such energy and full their capacity to produce such energy and full account should be taken of an individual’s account should be taken of an individual’s limitations.limitations. AgeAge Strength and degree of bodily developmentStrength and degree of bodily development General state of health fitness and mobilityGeneral state of health fitness and mobility Training, skill and experienceTraining, skill and experience Susceptibility to fatigueSusceptibility to fatigue Other physical features such as height, reach, grip size Other physical features such as height, reach, grip size

and general body size.and general body size.

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RememberRemember

The risk of injury increases The risk of injury increases dramatically when people work dramatically when people work beyond their own capacity.beyond their own capacity.

Any task that leads to a sense of Any task that leads to a sense of strain, discomfort or fatigue should strain, discomfort or fatigue should be carefully evaluated.be carefully evaluated.

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Safe Lifting TechniquesSafe Lifting Techniques

1. Preparation1. Preparation

The first step in any The first step in any lifting operation is lifting operation is preparation. Clear the preparation. Clear the area of hazards, oils, area of hazards, oils, objects on the floor, objects on the floor, and obstructions on and obstructions on the pathway.the pathway.

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2. Check The Load2. Check The Load

Check the load for sharp Check the load for sharp edges and things like edges and things like protruding nails and protruding nails and staples. Wear staples. Wear protective clothing if protective clothing if necessary. As well as necessary. As well as gloves and safety gloves and safety shoes this includes shoes this includes eye protection.eye protection.

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3. Size up the Load3. Size up the LoadThis could be done by reading This could be done by reading

the information panels on the information panels on the object together with the object together with moving the load sideways moving the load sideways and forward. This is a very and forward. This is a very important step as it allows important step as it allows the person to ascertain the person to ascertain whether the load to be whether the load to be lifted is within their lifted is within their capacity.capacity.

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4. Proper Foot 4. Proper Foot PositionPosition

As a general rule the front As a general rule the front foot should be beside foot should be beside the object, pointing in the object, pointing in the direction of travel. the direction of travel. The back foot should be The back foot should be slightly behind and be slightly behind and be hip width from the front hip width from the front foot. This achieves a foot. This achieves a stable base and allows stable base and allows for even distribution of for even distribution of weight.weight.

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5. Proper Hold5. Proper Hold

Ideally with the proper Ideally with the proper hold the hands should hold the hands should be diagonally opposite be diagonally opposite for security and for security and comfort. Use the full comfort. Use the full length of fingers and length of fingers and where possible the where possible the palms of the hands to palms of the hands to avoid fatigue.avoid fatigue.

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6. Bend the Knees6. Bend the Knees

Bend the knees to get Bend the knees to get down to the load and down to the load and use the legs to lift the use the legs to lift the load. This way thigh load. This way thigh and leg muscles are and leg muscles are used and these are used and these are the strongest part of the strongest part of the body.the body.

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7. Straight Back7. Straight Back

Make the back as near Make the back as near to straight as possible, to straight as possible, raise the head with raise the head with the chin in, just before the chin in, just before lifting. This will keep lifting. This will keep the spine straight and the spine straight and enable the person enable the person lifting to see where he lifting to see where he or she is going.or she is going.

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8. Arms Close to 8. Arms Close to the Bodythe Body

During the lift keep the During the lift keep the arms as straight as arms as straight as possible and the possible and the elbows in to the side. elbows in to the side. Don’t change your Don’t change your grip while carrying grip while carrying and directly face the and directly face the spot on which the load spot on which the load will rest. will rest.

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RememberRemember

Regardless of the shape or Regardless of the shape or appearance of the object the appearance of the object the principles of safe lifting remain the principles of safe lifting remain the same.same.

When setting down the reverse When setting down the reverse procedure to lifting should be procedure to lifting should be applied.applied.

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SummarySummary

1. Preparation1. Preparation

2. Check the load2. Check the load

3. Size up the load3. Size up the load

4. Proper foot position4. Proper foot position

5. Proper hold5. Proper hold

6. Bend the knees6. Bend the knees

7. Straight back7. Straight back

8. Arms close to the body.8. Arms close to the body.

manual handling prepared by: marcel royrevision 3: dec 2005 surpluselectricalcompany hse

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