Manual Handling How to ensure you use safe lifting techniques Your Name

Aim To explain and demonstrate the theory and practice of safe manual handling.

Objectives Explain the spines structure and main functions At the end of this training course, you will be able to: Explain the spines structure and main functions Recognise the main causes of back pain Describe the responsibilities imposed by the law Demonstrate how to assess a load Practice safe handling of loads

Kinds of accidents causing over seven day injury (RIDDOR 2015)

Any transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force. Definition Any transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force. Includes: Lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying and moving.

The Spine

The Spine as a Lever Load Close Load Away 5kg 15kg

4 Main Causes of Back Pain Degeneration (wear and tear) Traumatic injury (acute) Cumulative stress Psychological

The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) The Employer’s Duties: To ensure as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare of employees. The Employee’s Duties: To take reasonable care of their own and others health and safety. To co-operate with their employers to enable them to perform their duties.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) The Employer’s Duties: Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling as far as is reasonably practicable. Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling that can’t be avoided. Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, as far as reasonably practicable.

Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) Follow appropriate systems of work laid down for their safety. Make proper use of equipment provided to minimise the risk of injury. Co-operate with the employer on health and safety matters. Apply the duties of employers, as appropriate, to their own manual handling activities. Taking care to ensure that their activities do not put others at risk. The Employee’s Duties:

Safe Loads?

Assessment of Manual Handling Load Individual Task Environment

The Six Point Lift Look at the load. Foot position. Bend knees/back straight (in it’s natural position) Test the load/take a firm grip Lift with legs/load close Put down with care

Aim To explain and demonstrate the theory and practice of safe manual handling.

Objectives Explain the spines structure and main functions At the end of this training course, you will be able to: Explain the spines structure and main functions Recognise the main causes of back pain Describe the responsibilities imposed by the law Demonstrate how to assess a load Practice safe handling of loads

REMEMBER Although this course has provided you with information, you will only protect your back and yourself if you USE it.