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?