Manual handling

Manual handling is transporting or supporting loads by hand or using bodily force. Many people hurt their back, arms, hands or feet lifting everyday loads, not just when the load is too heavy. More than a third of all over-three-day injuries reported each year to HSE and to local authorities are the result of manual handling. These can result in those injured taking an average of 11 working days off each year.   ‘Upper limbs’ refers to the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and fingers. Upper limb disorders (sometimes called repetitive strain injury (RSI)) can happen in almost any workplace where people do repetitive, or forceful manual activities in awkward postures, for prolonged periods of time. These can cause muscular aches and pains, which may initially be temporary, but if such work is not properly managed, and the early symptoms are not recognised and treated, can progress to a chronic and disabling disorder. Cumulative damage can build up over time causing pain and discomfort in people’s backs, arms, hands and legs. Most cases can be avoided by providing suitable lifting equipment that is regularly maintained, together with relevant training on both manual handling and using the equipment safely.  

If the answer to any of the following questions is “yes” you probably need to consider what else you should do:

  • Does the work include strenuous lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching or repetitive handling? 
  • Do staff have repetitive finger, hand or arm movements which are frequent, forceful or awkward?   
  • Does the work involve twisting, squeezing, hammering or pounding?     
     


It’s a matter of judgment in each case, but there are certain things to look out   for, such as people puffing and sweating, excessive fatigue, bad posture, cramped work areas, awkward or heavy loads or a history of back troubles. Operators can often highlight which activities are unpopular, difficult or arduous.  There is no such thing as a completely ‘safe’ manual handling operation. It’s difficult to be precise; so many factors vary between jobs, workplaces and people.  

You should as a minimum:

  • Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling, as far as possible. 
  • Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling that can’t be avoided.   
  • Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, as far as possible.     
     


You can access more information on this topic by clicking on the following link:
http://www.hse.gov.uk