Last Updated on April 26, 2024 by Ossian Muscad
Did you know that manual handling injuries account for one-third of all workplace accidents? To help reduce these numbers, employers must enforce manual handling training at the workplace. But what is manual handling, and why should employees undergo this training?
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need about manual handling and how to apply it in your organization. We’ll cover topics such as the key areas of manual handling, principles of manual handling, and tips to avoid hazards in manual handling.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling is supporting or transporting a load by hand or force using the body. This includes lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, throwing, and moving objects. Manual handling can be done in various ways, but it is most commonly associated with manual labor tasks such as construction, factory, and agriculture.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual handling is the main reason for over a third of all workplace injuries and work-related repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Workers unable to safely execute manual handling can put themselves and others at risk for several injuries, including strains, sprains, fractures, cuts, bruises, and even death.
Key Areas of Manual Handling
Repetitive movements of the arms and legs, heavy manual labor, and awkward postures can potentially increase the risks of work-related manual handling injuries. The four key manual handling areas are task, individual, load, and environment—or TILE. These areas can help assessors determine the risks associated with manual tasks.
Task (Manual Handling Activity)
This key area focuses on the tasks that are to be performed by an employee. It involves the necessary processes and steps to perform an activity. These activities include general movements such as pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, stooping, or twisting. This process helps assess employee needs, including adequate opportunities to rest and recover.
Individual (Person Involved and their Respective Capabilities)
The particular key area focuses on the person who will be performing manual handling tasks. This includes their age, health, strength, size, and any manual handling injuries they may have sustained in the past. This assessment helps to identify what manual handling tasks an individual may be able to perform safely and under what conditions.
Load (Weight and Size of the Load being Handled)
This key area focuses on the characteristics of the load being handled. This includes the weight, size, and shape of the load. It also considers how the load is lifted, carried, or moved. This assessment helps to identify the appropriate manual handling equipment and techniques that should be used.
Environment (Conditions in Which Manual Handling is Taking Place)
This key area focuses on the conditions in which manual handling tasks are performed. This includes the layout of the work area, lighting, ventilation, and flooring. It also takes into account any obstacles that may be present. This assessment helps to identify the appropriate manual handling equipment and techniques that should be used.
Principles of Manual Handling
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations require all employers to assess, prevent, and reduce the risk of manual handling-related injuries. Proper execution and implementation of manual handling can help the organization to:
- Mitigate the injury risks due to hazardous manual handling.
- Assess and identify manual handling risks; implement control measures in accordance with the ‘Hierarchy of Controls’ for unavoidable operations.
Manual handling has five key principles that are essential for preventing manual handling injuries:
Plan
Before carrying or transporting an object, ensure the worker follows TILE when assessing the area. They should also determine if manual handling will involve strenuous activities and long distances for employees to strategize where to place breaks for rest.
Position
Load the object in a way that will distribute its weight as evenly as possible. For example, when lifting a box, the worker should keep it close to their body and avoid carrying it at arm’s length. In addition, establish good posture with feet about shoulder-width apart; keep the body close to the center before turning; keep the back as straight as possible; and avoid twisting when carrying or transporting an object.
Lift
When lifting, always use the large muscles of the legs, not the back. The worker should hold the object close to their body and bend at the knees, not the waist. They should avoid lifting objects above shoulder height, and if the object is too heavy to lift safely, ask for help.
Proceed
When moving from one place to another, workers should keep their feet about shoulder-width apart and avoid sudden starts, stops, or turns. They should also avoid carrying objects that block their view so they can see any potential hazards in their path.
Place
Avoid dropping the load immediately; instead, put it down slowly, smoothly, and steadily when reaching the destination. The worker should also avoid placing the object where it could fall on someone or something. If possible, find a convenient spot in the destination area to help manual handling maintain their pace while carrying or transporting an object.
Tips to Avoid Hazards in Manual Handling
Repetitive tasks and bad lifting routines are the usual culprits for back pain that may trigger illnesses such as MSDs. To prevent this, here are some useful tips that organizations should implement to avoid hazards during manual handling:
- Provide Manual Handling Training: Educate employees on proper manual handling techniques and practices to minimize the risk of injuries. Training should cover the principles of lifting, carrying, and setting down loads safely.
- Enforce Good Ergonomic Principles: Implement ergonomic solutions in the workplace to reduce the strain on employees. This includes adjusting workstations to fit individual needs and introducing tools that facilitate easier handling of tasks, thereby boosting productivity while preventing injuries.
- Keep the Travel Route Unobstructed: Ensure that paths used for transporting materials are clear of obstructions to prevent trips and falls. Regular inspections can help maintain clear routes.
- Provide Manual Handling Aids: Supply tools such as trolleys, dollies, and ramps to assist in moving heavy or bulky loads. These aids can significantly reduce the physical strain on employees.
- Ensure Regular Breaks: Encourage workers to take breaks at regular intervals to prevent fatigue. Rest periods are crucial for recuperating strength and avoiding overexertion.
- Assign Appropriate People: Match the task to the employee by considering the weight and size of the load in relation to the worker’s physical capability. This approach helps in allocating tasks more suitably.
- Use Mechanical Devices or Manual Handling Aids: To decrease manual labor, incorporate mechanical aids like forklifts, conveyors, or hoists for lifting, carrying, and transporting loads wherever possible.
- Nominate a Point Person for Manual Handling: Designate an individual responsible for overseeing manual handling operations each day. This point person can assist with coordination and ensure adherence to safety practices.
- Encourage Employees to Speak Up: Foster an open environment where employees feel comfortable voicing concerns about manual handling tasks they perceive as risky. This can lead to early intervention and injury prevention.
- Conduct Regular Manual Handling Assessments and Reviews: Periodically evaluate manual handling practices and the workplace environment to identify potential improvements. Implementing appropriate control measures based on these assessments can further reduce risk.
Organizations should also have a manual handling policy that outlines the roles and responsibilities of employees and the procedures to be followed in the event of an injury. This will help to create a safe and healthy working environment for all employees.
Enforce Manual Handling Training for Employees
Implementing comprehensive manual handling training for employees is crucial in reducing workplace injuries and fostering a culture of safety. It equips staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their tasks safely, thus minimizing the risk of physical harm. Below are key steps organizations should take to enforce manual handling training effectively.
Step 1: Develop a Comprehensive Manual Handling Training Program
Create a training program that covers all aspects of manual handling, including risks, proper techniques, equipment use, and ergonomic practices. The program should be tailored to the specific needs of the workplace and the tasks employees perform. Incorporate interactive and practical training sessions to ensure that employees can apply what they learn in their daily activities.
Step 2: Schedule Regular Training Sessions
Organize regular training sessions to ensure all employees, including new hires, seasonal workers, or those changing roles within the company, receive manual handling training. Refresher courses should be scheduled regularly to keep employees up-to-date with the latest best practices and to reinforce the importance of manual handling safety.
Step 3: Monitor and Evaluate Training Effectiveness
Monitor the implementation of manual handling techniques in the workplace and regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. This can be achieved through observations, feedback from employees, and reviewing incident reports. Adjustments to the training program should be made based on evaluation outcomes to continuously improve manual handling practices among employees.
Step 4: Encourage Employee Engagement and Feedback
Invite employees to actively participate in the training process by sharing their experiences and providing feedback. This engagement can help identify areas for improvement and adjust the training program to better meet the needs of the workforce. An inclusive approach ensures that the training feels relevant and beneficial to all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What constitutes proper lifting technique in manual handling?
Proper lifting technique involves keeping the back straight, bending the knees, and using the legs to lift. Hold the load close to your body, and avoid twisting or turning your waist while carrying the load. It’s essential to assess the weight and stability of the object before attempting to lift it.
Q2: How often should manual handling training be refreshed for employees?
Manual handling training should be refreshed every two years or more frequently if there is a change in the types of tasks being performed, the introduction of new equipment, or following an incident that suggests a need for retraining.
Q3: Are there specific weight limits that should not be exceeded in manual handling?
There are no specific legal weight limits. However, employers are required to conduct a risk assessment to determine what a safe weight for lifting is based on the individual, the task, and other relevant factors. The idea is to minimize risk rather than adhere to a fixed limit.
Q4: What should I do if I believe a task is too risky or beyond my physical capability?
You should report your concerns to your supervisor or the designated safety officer immediately. It is important not to attempt tasks you believe are unsafe or that could harm you. The employer may need to reassess the task and find safer ways to complete it, perhaps by using mechanical aids or redistributing the load.
Q5: Can wearing a back support belt prevent injuries during manual handling?
There is no conclusive evidence that wearing back support belts can prevent injuries. The focus should be on implementing ergonomic solutions and safe handling techniques. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered as a last resort after all other safer alternatives have been explored.
Q6: Is it the employer’s responsibility to eliminate all manual handling tasks?
While it may not be feasible to eliminate all manual handling tasks, it is the employer’s responsibility to reduce the risk of injury to as low as reasonably practicable. This involves assessing risks, implementing suitable control measures, and providing adequate training and equipment to carry out tasks safely.
Implement Manual Handling Training with DATAMYTE
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. Our Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a workflow, checklist, and smart form builder. This tool lets you build custom workflows in minutes, collect and report data on mobile or desktop devices, and send automated alerts to specific personnel in case of critical findings. DATAMYTE can help you implement manual handling training by providing the necessary tools to create, deliver, and monitor your training program effectively.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits (LPA), a high-frequency evaluation of critical process steps, focusing on areas with the highest failure risk or non-compliance. Conducting LPA with DATAMYTE lets you effectively identify and correct potential defects before they become major quality issues.
With DATAMYTE, you have an all-in-one solution for managing your quality assurance processes, including manual handling training. Book a demo now to learn more about how we can assist you in creating a safe and efficient workplace through effective manual handling training.
Conclusion
Manual handling is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution to prevent injuries. By following the tips in this guide, your organization can help create a safe work environment for all employees. It’s essential to prioritize the health and safety of your workforce by establishing robust training programs, encouraging open communication, and fostering a culture of safety. Implementing these strategies not only minimizes the risk of manual handling injuries but also enhances overall productivity and employee satisfaction. Remember, a safe workplace is the foundation of a thriving organization.
