Manual handling refers to the physical movement of objects or people using human force. Whether it’s lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling, manual handling activities are common in various industries. However, these seemingly simple tasks can pose serious risks if not performed correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fundamentals of manual handling, the importance of correct techniques, correct manual handling, and practical tips for enhancing workplace safety. So, let’s dive in!
Understanding Manual Handling: The Basics
Before we delve into the techniques and tips for correct manual handling, it’s crucial to understand the basics. Manual handling involves any activity that requires exerting force to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects. These activities can range from lifting heavy boxes in a warehouse to providing assistance to patients in healthcare settings.
It is essential to recognise that manual handling tasks can pose various risks if not performed correctly. These risks include musculoskeletal injuries such as strains and sprains, which can result from lifting heavy objects improperly or repetitive movements. Understanding the principles of safe manual handling is paramount in preventing these injuries and promoting a healthy work environment.
Moreover, manual handling techniques can vary depending on the specific task at hand. For instance, when lifting a heavy object, it is crucial to bend your knees and keep your back straight to reduce the strain on your lower back. Additionally, using mechanical aids such as trolleys or hoists can significantly decrease the risk of injury when handling bulky or heavy items. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can minimise the likelihood of accidents and injuries related to manual handling.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling encompasses a wide range of tasks that can vary greatly depending on the industry and specific job roles. It is important to recognise that manual handling is not limited to physical strength alone. It involves the efficient use of body mechanics and the application of correct techniques to minimise the risk of injuries. By utilising the right methods, workers can maintain their health and well-being while carrying out manual handling tasks.
Why Correct Manual Handling is Crucial for Workplace Safety
Correct manual handling techniques are essential for ensuring workplace safety. Improper lifting or handling of objects can lead to various injuries ranging from strains and sprains to more serious musculoskeletal disorders. These injuries not only cause physical pain and discomfort but also result in lost productivity and increased healthcare costs. By adopting correct manual handling practices, employers can maintain a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
The Seven Don’ts of Manual Handling
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the correct techniques. The Backsafe 7 Don’ts have been created by our senior trainers at Backsafe to highlight risks as described in the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice by Safe Work Australia.
Let’s explore Backsafes seven critical “don’ts” of manual handling:
1. Don’t Bend Forward
Bending your back forward more than 20 degrees when lifting or carrying heavy objects puts excessive strain at the base of the spinal column and over time, can create a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The spine is designed to work most efficiently when in a straight up and down motion, maintaining the natural curves of the body.
When lifting or working in a low position, it is important to maintain a straight back, ensuring to never use your spinal column as a lever (eg, Not bending over from the hips when working).
Unfortunately, most people bend too far forward when working, thus using their spinal column incorrectly and damaging their intervertebral discs.
Keeping your spine upright while lifting or working in a lower position and using the muscles in your legs to lift the load, means that the weight of your body and the load being lifted, is transferred evenly and predictably.
2. Don’t Bend Backwards:
Bending or leaning backward more than 5 degrees puts pressure at the base of the spinal column and over time can create a MSD. The spine is bent away from the natural curves of the body when bent backward and thus is a dangerous position to put your body in.
When lifting or working in an over shoulder height position, putting a box on a top shelf for example, it is important to use your spine in an upright posture like the column of a building, ensuring to never change the 4 natural curves of the spine.
Often people bend too far backward when working in these higher positions thus using their spinal column incorrectly. When working in backward bent postures discs will crack and tear over time causing permanent MSD damage, and sometimes causing a rupture or herniation of the discs.
3. Don’t Twist
Twisting the torso to the right or left more than 20 degrees (i.e. sideways movement without moving your feet) while lifting or carrying will put tension or a grinding sideways movement into the lower back discs. The lower back structure is not designed to safely move past 20 degrees right or left.
Twisting movements should not be carried out when standing or sitting. When we twist the lower back, we also twist the intervertebral discs in that area.
When the discs are twisted the fibrous bands of the disc on one side will slacken to allow for the twisting action, however on the other side, the fibrous bands will tighten up.
This increases pressure in the disc which may even lead to an instantaneous rupture of the disc structure. If you need to change direction, pivot your feet and move your entire body to avoid the risk of injury.
4. Don’t Twist & Bend Forward
Twisting your torso to the right or left more than 20 degrees (that is a sideways movement without moving your feet) when also bending forward more than 20 degrees will not only create torsion but also create a bending motion as well.
The grinding or sideways twisting movement with a bend all fixed and focused into the lower back vertebrae, ligaments, tendons and discs can be highly dangerous. The lower back structure is not designed to move past 20 degrees right or left or past 20 degrees bent forwards.
This double-movement sideways and forward, multiplies the tension in the lower back and could be instantly dangerous to the operator’s wellbeing. Intervertebral disc damage and soft tissue damage will result from this dangerous habit over time, leading to the rapid creation of MSD.
5. Don’t Tilt
Tilting of the torso to the side in a downward movement more than 20 degrees is similar to the torsion effect of a twist. This movement can also cause damage to the intervertebral discs in the lower back by loading up one side of the structure and stretching the opposite side.
The pressure created by a tilt, particularly in an already damaged lower back, can result in an instant herniation or bulging of the intervertebral disc as well as associated soft tissue damage.
6. Don’t Reach
Stretching or reaching too far away from your body to pick up a heavy object puts pressure into your shoulders and upper back, between the shoulder blades. This pressure can also transfer down into the lower back. Extending a load 60cm away from your body increases the pressure of the upper body by up to three times the weight of the load.
For example, holding a 10kg load 60cm away from your body will exert approximately 30kg of pressure through your body focusing that pressure into the shoulder joints.
These pressures will eventually cause damage to the shoulder joint, which is being used as a pivot point or fulcrum in such a lift. Mid and or lower back problems will also result when the body tries to compensate when overloaded in this motion.
7. Don’t Jump
Jumping in the workplace (eg. Jumping out of a truck, off a loading down, or off the last few stairs) exerts a shock wave or vibration of pressure between 7 – 10 times your total body weight.
This, along with any load you may be carrying can cause some significant damage to your spinal column. This sudden pressure starts in your feet and travels through your ankles, knees, hips and into the spine at the lower back when you land.
Jumping creates a shock in the body much like the shock that a fast bowler suffers when they slam their front foot down whilst playing cricket or when a basketballer lands on a hard court when rebounding.
Jumping on the job or at home damages the joints of the body wearing away the series of cartilage positioned throughout your body that act as shock absorbers. The pressure on the spine can also result in major damage to the spinal discs.
Implementing Effective Manual Handling Training
Ensuring that employees are well-trained and equipped to perform manual handling tasks safely is vital for any organisation. Implementing a comprehensive manual handling training program can significantly reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries. Consider the following key components when developing your training program:
Key Components of a Manual Handling Training Program
- Risk Assessment: Provide employees with the knowledge and skills to assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks. This includes identifying potential hazards, analysing load characteristics, and determining appropriate control measures.
- Correct Techniques: Teach employees the correct manual handling techniques, focusing on lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Emphasise the importance of maintaining good posture and utilising body mechanics to minimise the risk of injuries.
- Equipment Training: If your workplace utilises specific tools or equipment for manual handling tasks, ensure employees receive proper training on their safe operation and maintenance.
- Ergonomics: Educate employees on the principles of ergonomics and how to apply them in their day-to-day manual handling activities. Highlight the importance of adjusting workstations and equipment to optimise comfort and reduce strain on the body.
Creating a Culture of Safety: Engagement and Awareness
A successful manual handling training program goes beyond a one-time event. Foster a culture of safety by encouraging active engagement and ongoing awareness. Provide regular refresher training sessions, create open communication channels for reporting concerns, and reward individuals or teams that demonstrate exemplary adherence to safe manual handling practices.
Advanced Tips for Improving Manual Handling in the Workplace
Once the foundational elements of manual handling are in place, consider implementing these advanced tips to further improve safety and efficiency:
Ergonomic Tools and Equipment: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency
Invest in ergonomic tools and equipment specifically designed to reduce the strain associated with manual handling tasks. From adjustable-height workbenches to lifting aids and assistive devices, these additions can significantly improve the overall workplace environment and productivity.
Regular Reviews and Audits: Ensuring Ongoing Compliance
Regularly review your manual handling practices and conduct audits to identify areas for improvement. This includes assessing the effectiveness of your training program, evaluating the use of mechanical aids, and soliciting feedback from employees. Use this information to refine your manual handling procedures and ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations.
Key Takeaways for Mastering Correct Manual Handling
In conclusion, mastering correct manual handling techniques is essential for maintaining workplace safety and preventing injuries. Remember the seven don’ts of manual handling: don’t bend forward, don’t bend backward, don’t twist, don’t twist & bend forward, don’t tilt, don’t reach, and don’t jump. Implement the essential techniques for safe manual handling, including proper lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling methods.
Develop a robust manual handling training program that encompasses risk assessment, correct techniques, equipment training, and ergonomic principles. Foster a culture of safety through engagement and awareness. And finally, consider advanced tips such as the use of ergonomic tools and regular reviews to continually improve safety and efficiency in the workplace.
By following these guidelines and integrating them into your everyday practices, you can protect yourself and your colleagues from the potential risks associated with manual handling. Stay safe, stay healthy!
To Learn More about Backsafe’s Manual Handling Training, contact Peter on 0414 460 859 or info@backsafe.com.au
