Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Ossian Muscad
Manual handling is an unavoidable part of many jobs, and it can present a range of risks to employees if not managed properly. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common workplace injury in the United States, with manual handling being one of the main causes. It is essential that employers understand how to identify and manage these risks to protect their staff from harm. This guide will provide an overview of manual handling risk factors and advice on how to mitigate them in your workplace.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling refers to the transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. It includes activities like lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying, and even throwing. These tasks cover a wide range of activities in the workplace and can potentially result in injuries if not carried out properly. The nature of manual handling involves four key factors: the task itself, the weight and type of load being moved, the ability of the individual to carry out the task, and the environment where the activity is taking place. Examples of manual tasks include placing something on a shelf, painting, gardening, cleaning, writing, and typing.
While manual handling is a common task, it can also pose risks to health and safety, especially when it involves hazardous manual tasks. These tasks require a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move, hold, or restrain any person, animal, or thing. Therefore, safety measures and proper training are essential to prevent injuries related to manual handling.
Manual Handling Risk Factors
Manual handling poses several risk factors that can lead to injuries and health issues. That’s why it’s essential to identify and be mindful of these risks. Some of the common manual handling risk factors include the following:
- Load Weight and Size: Handling heavy or bulky loads can cause strain on the body, particularly the back. The risk increases if the load is difficult to grasp or if it obstructs vision.
- Repetition and Duration: Constantly repeating the same movements, especially without adequate breaks, can lead to muscle fatigue and repetitive strain injuries.
- Posture and Movement: Awkward postures, such as bending, twisting, reaching, or stooping while handling loads, can overstrain muscles and joints. Rapid or sudden movements can also increase the risk of injury.
- Work Environment: Factors like insufficient space, slippery or uneven floors, varying lighting levels, temperature and humidity, and even psychological stressors can contribute to manual handling risks.
- Individual Capability: Personal factors such as fitness level, age, gender, and health condition can influence an individual’s ability to safely perform manual handling tasks. For example, individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those not physically fit may be at a higher risk.
- Lack of Training: Without proper training, workers may not be aware of the correct techniques for lifting and moving loads, thereby increasing the risk of injury.
Identifying these risk factors is the first step in managing manual handling risks in the workplace. Conducting regular risk assessments and providing appropriate training to employees to mitigate these risks is vital.
Tips To Prevent and Manage Manual Handling Risks at Work
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders can have long-lasting effects, highlighting the importance of prevention over treatment. Simple changes in habits can greatly benefit your health and well-being. To prevent and handle injuries caused by manual handling in the workplace, try following these five easy steps:
Conduct a Risk Assessment
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with manual handling tasks. This involves evaluating the weight and size of the load, the environment where the task is performed, the nature of the task itself, and the individual’s ability to carry out the task. For instance, consider whether the load is too heavy for one person to handle or if there’s a risk of tripping due to cluttered pathways.
Ensure Proper Training
Provide comprehensive training to employees on safe manual handling techniques. This includes demonstrating proper lifting, carrying, and setting down procedures. For example, teach them to lift with their legs and not their back, keep the load close to their body, and avoid twisting while lifting or carrying. Furthermore, educate them about the risks associated with improper handling to enhance their understanding of why these practices matter.
Use of the Right Equipment
Encourage the use of mechanical aids or equipment like trolleys, conveyor belts, forklifts, etc., wherever possible. These tools can significantly reduce the physical effort required and minimize the risk of injury. For instance, using a forklift for heavy loads can prevent back injuries that might occur from lifting such weights manually.
Assess Workplace Design
Design the workspace in a way that minimizes the need for manual handling. This can include arranging the workplace to reduce the need for bending, twisting, or reaching. For example, place frequently used items at waist height to avoid excessive bending or reaching overhead.
Promote Health and Fitness
Encourage employees to maintain a good level of physical fitness. Regular exercise can strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries. Consider implementing a workplace wellness program that encourages physical activity or provides information on exercises that can help improve strength and flexibility for manual handling tasks.
Implementing these simple tips can significantly reduce the risk of injuries associated with manual handling, leading to a safer and healthier working environment.
What is a Manual Handling Risk Assessment?
Manual handling risk assessment is essential to workplace safety, particularly in environments where manual handling tasks are frequent. The aim is to identify hazardous manual handling tasks and devise measures to eliminate or reduce these risks.
The assessment involves four key elements:
- The Task: Evaluate the nature of the manual handling task, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or restraining. Consider whether it involves awkward positions, repetitive motions, prolonged periods of activity, or high-force exertions.
- The Load: Assess the weight, size, shape, and stability of the load. Other characteristics, like temperature or harmful substances, should also be taken into account.
- The Working Environment: Look at factors like space constraints, floor conditions, variations in floor levels, lighting conditions, and temperature and humidity. These can all affect the safety of manual handling tasks.
- Individual Capability: Consider the physical ability of the person performing the task. Factors to consider include strength, fitness level, pre-existing health conditions, or whether they need specific knowledge or training to carry out the task safely.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests a five-step process for conducting risk assessments, which can be applied to manual handling. While there’s no universal approach, these steps provide a good framework for creating safer working environments.
Conduct Manual Handling Risk Assessment Using a Low-code Platform
If you want to streamline your manual handling risk assessment process, a low-code platform like Kintone can help. Its intuitive tools and easy drag-and-drop interface make it easy to create custom applications that fit your needs. In addition, Kintone’s powerful automation features can help you quickly create and manage risk assessments in just a few clicks.
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform with low-code capabilities. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a low-code workflow automation software that features a checklist and smart form builder. This tool lets you create a comprehensive risk assessment process template that can be easily customized to meet your specific needs.
To create a checklist or form template using DATAMYTE, follow these steps:
- Log in to the DATAMYTE software and navigate to the ‘Checklist’ module.
- Click “Create Checklist.”
- Add a title to your template; select the category where it belongs.
- Start adding items to the template by clicking “Add Item.”
- Define the description of each item, what type of answer it requires, and other relevant specifications (e.g., reference documents, acceptance criteria, limits).
- Assign a team member responsible for conducting the inspection using the template.
- Add signature fields for approvals (e.g., supervisors, quality assurance personnel).
- Save the template—you can now access it anywhere, and it will be available on any device.
DATAMYTE also lets you conduct layered process audits, 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 streamlining your manual handling risk assessment process. Book a demo to learn how DATAMYTE can help create a safer work environment.
Conclusion
Manual handling tasks are essential to many workplaces, but they can also pose a risk to worker health and safety. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, employers must identify potential hazards and take the necessary steps to minimize them.
Low-code platforms like DATAMYTE can help streamline the manual handling risk assessment process, enabling employers to quickly identify and address any potential risks. By taking the right steps, employers can ensure their employees are working in a safe and healthy environment. Get started today!
