This safe manual handling procedure can assist your business comply with AS/NZS ISO 45001, Occupational Health and Safety Management System clauses:
Manual handling refers to lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing, lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying and lifting an object to avoid injury to yourself or the person you are helping. Information on safe manual handling is extensive and covers a wide range of topics, however, generally, this information will focus on four key areas:
1. Assessing the weight, shape and size of the load that is to be moved.
2. The ability of the person(s) conducting the manual handling task.
3.The importance of the correct posture when conducting a manual handling task, reducing the risks.
4. The work environment where the manual handling task is being conducted.
Many workers are required to perform manual handling tasks as part of their job, and the risks associated with manual handling should be well documented and workers should be trained in safe manual handling procedures to avoid work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Note: The best time to eliminate or minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is in the design and planning stage. This is when hazards and risks can be ‘designed out’ before they are introduced into a workplace.
Manual Handling Guidelines for Men and Women
Advisory standards and codes do not prescribe absolute weight limits for lifting, lowering pushing, pulling or carrying loads. You will need to risk assess the duration and frequency of the hazardous manual task and apply the highest level of control practicable.
The physical capabilities of each individual need to be considered, before attempting a manual handling task, failure to do this can increase the risk of injury.
No person should ever attempt to lift any heavy object beyond their lifting capacity. If lifting the object appears to be too heavy seek assistance or use a mechanical lifting device such as a pallet jack or forklift. It is always better to start with a smaller and lighter weight first.
A ‘typical workplace’ will require many different tasks, and a great deal of these will involve manual handling. It is therefore essential that a person’s musculoskeletal system be prepared for these situations to avoid manual handling injuries. Be sure to warm up, stretch and avoid sudden movements.
A health and safety representative can also play a key role in ensuring these measures are followed, helping to prevent conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can result from improper handling techniques.
The best way to avoid injuries when manual handling is to follow a few simple rules. First, always assess the load before attempting to lift it. Make sure it is not too heavy or too awkward to lift safely. If possible, ask for help.
If you have to lift a load alone, be sure to use good lifting techniques and adopt a stable position, keeping your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and grip the load close to your body. Use your leg muscles, not your back, to lift the load.
Avoid the risk of injury with awkward postures or by twisting your body while lifting. If you must turn, move your feet first, then your torso. Also, avoid lifting the heaviest side of a load first, as that may increase the risk.
Without adequate training, workers can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and soft tissue injuries. Implementing appropriate controls helps manage and control the risk, ensuring safer handling practices.
