Manual Handling Objectives ALL OF YOU: Will understand the importance of lifting and carrying objects safely MOST OF YOU: Will be able to give examples of situations when lifting and carrying correctly is important SOME OF YOU: Will be able to give detailed examples of situations when lifting and carrying correctly is important and be able to give examples of injuries which may occur if the lifting and carrying is conducted incorrectly.

Manual Handling What is it?

Manual handling refers to when we are lifting and carrying objects. Why is it important to lift and carry objects in a safe way?

Because …….. If staff handle heavy or awkward loads there can be accidents and injuries, and the staff can be off work for some time. This can sometimes lead to permanent life long health problems for the member of staff. It can also be inconvenient for the employer (they may be short staffed as a result, they may have to pay for someone else to come in and do the wok whilst the other staff member is off work, they may even be sued!).

Below is a picture example of how to lift a heavy suitcase correctly:

How not to lift a box …..

How to lift a box ……………

A volunteer please …….

A few key points to remember ……… The safer way to lift is by bending the knees rather than bending the back. Also, where possible two people should lift rather than one. When good are moved on trolleys, trucks or other wheeled vehicles they should be loaded carefully (not overloaded) so that the person steering can see where they are going. It is important that heavy items are stacked at the bottom, and that steps are used with care. If you are having to moving a hot item, such as a saucepan containing hot soup, the liquid should have cooled down enough so that if it was spilled it wouldn’t burn anyone. Also, if you do have to carry a hot tray, say from the oven to a table, you need to make sure that oven gloves are in good condition (no rips or tears) and that the path is clear. Also that there is somewhere to place the hot tray down when you get to the destination.