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Manual Handling
An Introduction
Manual Handling
Course Content
StatisticsDefinitionAnatomy & InjuriesMechanicsLawRisk AssessmentLifting Safely
Anyone Hurt?
Accident Statistics
Largest cause of accidents at work
37% Manual Handling19% Slips, Trips and Falls12% Other Causes20% Struck by an Object7% Falling from Height5% Machinery
Accident Statistics Interpreted another way - the overall figure
of 37% means that: 86000 people are absent daily 26,500,000 working days are lost annually £1000,000,000 is lost in production,
sickness benefit and medical costs
In terms of suffering each injury results in an average of 20 days off work – some never fully recover. Four out of five people suffer with back related problems at some time – the risk is greater after the age of 30.
Definition of Manual Handling
The transporting or supporting of a load by hand or some other part of the body including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving or intentionally dropping or throwing a load
Anatomy SpineThree main functions To protect the spinal cord To allow movement. To support the upper body
Complex System Spinal Cord Nerves Ligaments Muscles & Tendons
AnatomySpine - Strong and Flexible Gentle ‘S’ bend Move or lift in wrong way balance
can be disturbed
Problems – contributory factors Poor physical condition Posture Lack of exercise Excess weight Illness
Vertebrae 33 bones – the top 24 are
separated by discs Each vertebrae has 4 joints
which enables movement Vertebrae are larger
towards the bottom of the spine
Vertebrae
Spinal CordDisc
AnatomyDiscs Act as shock
absorbers Firmly attached to
vertebrae Poor blood supply Annulus stretches
and relaxes during movement.
Nucleus
Annulus
AnatomyDiscs Repeated stresses
can cause minute tears and bulging of the disk.
Presses on adjacent nerves and ligaments – pins & needles, pain, numbness
Commonly called a slipped disc
Muscles
Muscles are bundles of fibre which enable movement
Messages from the brain cause them to contract and relax
Connected by tendons and when muscles contract the bones are drawn closer together
A damaged muscle is called a strain
Mechanics Balance point is through centre of body when
standing A load held in front disturbs the balance - tension is
generated in the back muscles to compensate Forms a lever effect Average person holding a 10kg load at arms length
generates a counterbalancing tension up to 10 times more – to avoid falling over
High or repetitive levels of tension in the back can cause damage – called muscle strain
Mechanics
Centre of Gravity
Centre of Gravity
Lever effect is reduced if load held closer to the body
Ligaments & Nerves
Ligaments Strong fibrous tissue Small degree of
elasticity Stooped back
posture can result in permanent elongation – weakness and pain
Damaged if stretched too far and torn – called a sprain.
Nerves Millions of fibres
transmitting electrical impulses
Vertebrae enclose and protect
Nerves branch out from the spinal cord and pass between vertebrae
Irritated nerves can be felt right along there length – called sciatica
Manual Handling Regulations 1992
Regulations provide a hierarchy of measuresEmployers must:
Avoid manual handling where possible
Assess any hazardous activities where manual handling can’t be avoided
If the assessment indicates a significant risk of injury a more specific assessment must be made
Reduce the risk of injury as far as is reasonably practicable
Employees have duties too:
Follow the laid down systems of work
Make proper use of equipment provided
Co-operate in H&S matters
Advise your manager if you are unwell
Not putting other people at risk
Manual Handling Regulations 1992
Risk Assessment
T TaskI Individual’s capabilitiesL LoadE Environment
any other factors
The TaskHolding loads away from bodyTwistingStoopingReaching upwardsLarge vertical movementsLong travel distances
Strenuous pushing and pullingUnpredictable movement of loadRepetitive handlingInsufficient rest or recovery timeWorkrate imposed by the process
Individual Capability
Physical condition IllnessPregnancy Requires unusual capabilitiesCall for special information or training
The Load
HeavyBulky or unwieldyDifficult to graspUnstable/unpredictableHarmful ie sharp/hot
The Working Environment
Constraints on posture eg lack of spacePoor floorsVariations in levelsHot/cold/rain/ice/humid conditionsStrong air movementPoor lighting conditions
Other Factors
and people!! High Stress Poor Diet Lack of exercise Rushing – pressure of work Showing off Short cuts
Is movement hindered by clothing or personal protective clothing
Risk Assessment
Identify the elements of significant risk Decide who might be harmed and howEvaluate risks/Control measuresRecord the findings of assessmentReview/revise assessment
T TaskI Individual’s capabilitiesL LoadE Environment
Video
Manual Handling – The Facts
Lifting Safely
Ultimate ObjectiveTo Relieve Fatigue & Strain
Use correct handling techniquesEnsure good visionChange position regularlyAvoid over reaching or stretchingAdjust work surface heightsRelax where possibleUse mechanical aids
Kinetic Lifting
Summarised by:
Plan the RouteAssess the loadCorrect position of feetStraight backCorrect gripLift smoothly
Kinetic Lifting
Plan the Route
Where is the load goingAre there obstructions in the way Is there somewhere to set it down
Kinetic LiftingOne Person Lift
Determine the weightLook for sharp edgesSee if weight is evenly distributedKeep heaviest side to bodyDecide how to hold the load
If it is too heavy use a trolley or get assistance
Kinetic LiftingCorrect Positioning of Feet
Comfortably apartOne foot positioned in direction of movementOther foot where it can give maximum thrust to the body
To maintain good balance feet should never be too close together on the ground
Kinetic Lifting
Straight BackLower the body by relaxing the kneesKeep your back straight (but not vertical)Keep load close to bodyKeep chin in and head back
Kinetic Lifting
LiftingIf lifting from ground make maximum use of legsKeep back straight but inclined forwardAs lift proceeds and the legs are straightened the back returns to vertical position
Positioning of feet and bending of knees are the key factors in maintaining a straight back
Kinetic Lifting
Correct GripTake a firm grip by using the palms of the hands and roots of fingersTaking weight on finger tips will create pressure at the end of fingers and could strain muscles and tendons in the arms
A full palm grip will reduce muscle stress to the arms and decrease the possibility of the load slipping
Kinetic Lifting
Lifting Smoothly
Thrust from back foot and straightening of knees will move body forwards and upwards – briefly off balanceImmediately countered by bringing the back foot forward as if walkingLift now completed - forward movement results in smooth transition from lifting to carrying
Kinetic LiftingCarrying the Load
Make sure you can see where you are goingAvoid twisting the body – move your feet insteadIf you need to change your grip – set the load down – not whilst walking
Setting the Load DownUse the correct stance for lifting and set the load down gently
Kinetic Lifting
Two Person LiftDecide who will be callerAssess the weightCorrect positioning of feetStraight backCorrect gripLift together
The caller co-ordinates the lift and ensures each lifter knows what to do and when
Kinetic Lifting - Summary Plan the route, the lift and the set
down point Position your feet - bent knees,
straight back Firm grip, lift smoothly, Move the feet – do not twist body Keep the load close to the body Put down smoothly – then adjust for
final position
Conclusion?