Today we are looking at how to avoid or minimise manual handling risks.
The law requires that employers avoid manual handling wherever possible.
If this can’t be achieved, the requirement is to assess the risks and implement adequate controls.
Below you will find 5 key areas in which to help avoid or minimise manual handling risks in the workplace.
Control of manual handling risk can be achieved by using a simple hierarchy of controls:
- Eliminate the manual handling
- Assess the manual handling that cannot be eliminated
- Use handling aids
- Modify the task, load or environment
- Ensure individual capabilities are matched to the activity
Eliminate the manual handling – by automation of mechanism of the handling activity. Conveyor belt systems, forklift trucks, electric pallet trucks, cranes, hoists and other types of mechanical moving or lifting equipment provide a way of moving loads without the need for workers to use bodily force.
Assess the manual handling that cannot be eliminated – by looking at the four factors of: task, load, environment and individual capabilities.
Use handling aids – consider the use of a piece of equipment that does not completely eliminate the manual handling but does make it much easier. For example, a sack truck does not eliminate the need to push the load, but it does eliminate the need to carry it.
There are handling aids available, such as trolleys, barrel lifts, gin wheels, trucks, hoists and lifts that require some manual effort to lift or support the load, but give the worker mechanical advantage.
Modify the task, load or environment
The task
- Control repetitive handling by introducing frequent rest breaks or job rotation to minimise the length of time that an individual worker has to perform the task,
- Eliminate stooping and twisting by changing the layout of the workstation.
- Use a table or lift to bring the load to waist height to eliminate picking up from floor level.
The load
- Break down a heavy load into smaller parts.
- Use several workers to handle a large, bulky load rather than just one.
- Stabilise an unstable load by securing it or putting it into a container
- Mark up a load with an off-centre of gravity so that workers can see where the centre of gravity is.
- Attach handles to a load that is difficult to grasp.
The environment
- Re-arrange the workspace to allow more space for the handling activity.
- Level an uneven floor.
- Supply additional lighting in a poorly lit location.
Ensure individual capabilities are matched to the activity – if the activity requires unusual ability then workers must have that ability. For example, if unusual strength and size are required then the worker must have those characteristics; if a particular technique is required, the worker must be trained so that they develop that technique.
If the activity presents significant risk to vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women or people with pre-existing back injuries, those people will have to be prohibited from carrying out the activity.