MANUAL HANDLING THINK BEFORE YOU LIFT Heritage Group Safety

Learn to appreciate: The extent of the problems caused by incorrectly moving loads. Thinking through moving a load. Taking a few minutes to assess the manual handling. The importance of using equipment or getting help to assist with the move. The value of good workplace design The value of rest, exercise, stretching and eating right. Course Objectives

More than one million workers suffer back injuries each year. One fourth of all worker compensation claims involve back injuries, costing billions of dollars. Though lifting, placing, carrying, holding and lowering are involved in manual handling, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) survey shows that four out of five injuries were to the lower back. Three out of four of those occurred while the employee was lifting. The Back Injury Problem

Proper lifting requires extra muscular movement. “It’s easier to lift improperly!” Bad habits are hard to break. As the workforce ages, natural degeneration occurs and our bodies wear out. Improper nutrition, lack of exercise and fatigue add to the problem. Workers, in a hurry to get the job done, take shortcuts. Many workers do not take the time to think about the lift before they do it. ???The Number One Problem

Back injuries fall into a category of injuries known as “Cumulative Trauma Injuries”. While many back injuries happen instantaneously, most are the result of years of poor lifting practice. When you wear out your back, the simple act of picking up a pencil can slip a disc and cause enormous pain. In other words, when it comes to lifting, bad habits equal eventual pain. “You can pay me now or pay me later” fits well with poor lifting habits. Back injuries???

Bending over at the waist. Reaching across or over some obstacle. Cumbersome or odd shaped loads. Reaching to grab a load at a high or low position. Awkward Positions

One of the worst problems in manual handling. Twisting at the waist and not moving your feet to face the load. Force is on the shoulders, arms and other back muscles - not only on the back. TWISTING

How much you can lift is based on your personal characteristics, size, weight, sex, etc. How to determine weight. Single packages vs. packages with components. All persons have different capacities. What is a safe weight? HEAVY LOADS

Doesn’t matter how heavy. No rest between movements. Injuries not normally instantaneous - cumulative trauma. REPETITION

Balance Load is too large - obstructs vision Leads to other injuries SIGHT OBSTRUCTIONS

More vulnerable to injury Decrease ability to think clearly FATIGUE

Load shifts Sharp edges Temperature (hot or cold) Bulky THE LOAD ITSELF

Take a couple minutes to scope out the lift or move. Think through the lift or move. Check the work area. Check the load. Take the “Six Question Test” before you attempt the move. USE THE “TAKE TWO” PROCESS

Is it really necessary to move the load? Do not move loads that do not need moved. Look for ways to minimize moving materials. 1. MUST THE LOAD BE MOVED?

Do not lift loads that do not need lifted. Can the load be moved without lifting it? Can it be rolled, slid or pushed? Where lifting is necessary, consider engineering solutions. 2. MUST IT BE LIFTED?

Do not manually handle loads that can be move mechanically. Is there a crane, fork lift truck, winch or hand truck available? 3. CAN IT BE MOVED MECHANICALLY?

Do not carry a load that is excessive in weight or bulk. Remember-You have personal limits. Dividing a load will reduce its weight and bulk. Clearing a direct path will reduce the distance. Better containerization will reduce the bulk. 4. CAN THE LOAD BE REDUCED?

Do not lift on your own if a team lift is required. Some loads require at least two people to handle its weight, bulk or size. 5. CAN ASSISTANCE BE GAINED?

Do not lift a load that is not within your lifting capacity. Is the load within your capacity to lift? Is it within your personal limit? 6. IS THE LOAD TOO HEAVY TO LIFT?

Do not take workplace design for granted. Observe your workplace and analyze your work movements. Then suggest alternatives. No one knows your job better than you. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY in WORKPLACE DESIGN

Good physical condition promotes a strong back. Being overweight puts additional stress on the back. Stretched and warmed muscles are less apt to get injured. Fatigue is a cause of many injuries- Get your rest. THE VALUE of REST, STRETCHING, EXERCISING and EATING RIGHT

THE END REMEMBER- Manual Handling causes most of the Workplace injuries. THINK BEFORE YOU LIFT!