| Manual Handling
Almost a quarter of all work related injuries are caused by an
accident involving manual handling. Most injuries are to back, legs,
feet, hands and arms. Some of the back injuries can result in permanent
disability.
Manual Handling is defined, for the purposes of these regulations,
as an activity involving the movement or support of a load by hand
or by bodily force. The range of injuries associated with manual
handling is potentially very wide. However, the risks to health
from manual handling fall within 3 main categories:
- Injuries to the muscular or skeletal system of the handler.
- Injuries caused by the load falling onto or trapping part of
the handler or someone nearby.
- Injuries caused by the handler falling, perhaps against the
load or other objects.
Six Rules for Lifting:
- Make sure the place where the load is to be put down is clear
of obstruction. Assess the muscular effort required.
- Stand close to the load with feet apart so that you have a balanced
stable base for lifting.
- Do not bend your back. Bend at the knees and keep your back
as straight as possible.
- Get a firm grip and move the load close to your body.
- Do not jerk the load, lift it smoothly.
- Always keep your arms and the load close to your body. When
turning, use your feet rather than twisting your body.
MPW Risk Solutions arranges for manual handling training to be
delivered to their clients in order to minimise the possibility
of employee injury. Should an employee suffer injuries during their
work, it can seriously affect productivity due to loss of production
and staff absenteeism. It can also have a detrimental effect of
worker morale which will in turn affect productivity.
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