This manual handling checklist:
Manual handling can be described as the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object. Manual handling is a common cause of workplace injuries and can lead to muscular strains, sprains, fractures and other injuries.
When manual handling is required in the workplace, the physical capabilities of each individual need to be considered, before attempting a manual handling task.
A hazardous manual can be described as a task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing that involves one or more of the following:
Safe manual handling refers to the correct way of lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying and lifting an object to avoid injury to yourself or the person you are helping. There are many ways to conduct safe manual handling tasks. 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 correct posture when conducting a manual handling task.
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.
A manual handling checklist is an assessment tool that can be used to evaluate if a manual handling task has an unacceptable risk. It can be used to check if an individual conducting a manual handling task is aware of all the potential risks and if risk management principles need to be applied to the tasks or not.
This manual handling checklist has prompts for various aspects of manual handling tasks, inclusive of:
This 2-page manual handling checklist can assist you to identify hazardous manual tasks, assess the risk factors and determine appropriate control measures.