1. MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIALS METALWORKING INDUSTRIES
A TRAINING FOR THE
METALWORKING INDUSTRIES

2. Table of Contents Introduction Risk management on manual handling
Hazards associated with manual handling
Common injuries & occupational diseases
Proper manual handling methodology
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Job design to prevent injuries
Case study

3. Introduction Manual handling is a common activity in most workplaces
It includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object
Injuries and musculoskeletal disorders affect the back, neck, shoulders, arms & hands
It can be prevented through a systemic approach of identification, assessment and control of risks associated with manual handling

4. Occupational Diseases in Singapore
Source: Ministry of Manpower

5. Risk Management on Manual Handling
Required to manage risks under WSH (Risk Management) regulations
Assess the risk
Take all reasonably practical steps
Eliminate any risks

6. Risk Management on Manual Handling
Step 1: Identification of hazard
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7. Risk Management on Manual Handling
Step 2: Assess the risk
Dependent on severity of risk and likelihood of hazards occurring
severity X likelihood = risk level
Risk Level = Low, Moderate or High

8. Risk Management on Manual Handling
Severity
Minor
Moderate
Major
Likelihood
Remote
Low
Low
Medium
Occasional
Low
Medium
High
Frequent
Medium
High
High

9. Risk Management on Manual Handling
Step 3: Select Measures to Control and Reduce Risk
Based on hierarchy of hazards control
1st – Remove the hazard
2nd – Guard the remaining hazards
3rd – Mitigate impact of hazard

10. Risk Management on Manual Handling
HIERARCHY OF HAZARDS CONTROL

11. Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Heavy
Lifting over 25kg load can result in back injury
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12. Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Heavy

13. Hazards Associated with Manual Handling - Sharp
Potential Cuts on the fingers
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14. Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Odd shapes
Absence of grip to hold the load
Obstruction of walking view
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15. Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Toxic substances
Skin exposure to chemicals
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Coolant
Lubricants
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16. Hazards Associated with Manual Handling – Toxic substances
Exposure to chemical dust, fumes & vapours
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17. Common Injuries From Manual Handling
Neck Strain
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18. Common Injuries From Manual Handling
Wrist Sprains
Back Sprains
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19. Common Injuries From Manual Handling
Shoulder pain
Upper back pain
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20. Common Injuries From Manual Handling
Slips, trips and fall
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21. Common Injuries From Manual Handling
Cuts
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22. Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling
Skin dermatitis
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23. Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling
Skin dermatitis
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24. Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling
Occupational respiratory & lung diseases
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25. Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical Handling
Occupational eye diseases
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26. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT WHILE LIFTING
Proper Manual Handling - Individual
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT WHILE LIFTING
Step 4: Ensure your legs are stable before moving off
Step 1: Hold the load firmly
Step 2: Keep the load close to you
Step 3: Lift the load by pushing up your leg

27. Proper Manual Handling - Individual
Lifting aids

28. Proper Manual Handling - Individual
Lifting aids

29. Proper Manual Handling - Individual
Lifting aids
Source: CP 92 : 2002

30. Proper Manual Handling – Team
Team/buddy lifting
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31. Proper Manual Handling – Team
Team/buddy lifting
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32. Selection of PPE for Manual Handling
Are there any sharp or point edges?
Is it enough to prevent injuries or occupational diseases?
Does the PPE fit you correctly?
Does the PPE wear out easily?
Is it based on chemical properties of the substance?
Does it minimize contact with chemicals?
Is it easy to clean and maintain?

33. Use of PPE for Manual Handling
Safety boots
Protective gloves
Helmets
Working apron or overalls
Goggles or safety glasses
Face mask or respirators
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34. Use of PPE for Manual Handling
Safety boots
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35. Use of PPE for Manual Handling
Protective gloves
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36. Use of PPE for Manual Handling
Helmets
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37. Use of PPE for Manual Handling
Working apron or safety overalls
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38. Use of PPE for Manual Handling
Goggles or safety glasses
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39. Use of PPE for Manual Handling
Face mask or respirator
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40. Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries
Team handling for heavy or odd shape loads
Breaks to reduce muscular fatigue
Handlers job rotation between heavy and light activities
Rearrange workplace to reduce twisting, stretching & stooping
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41. Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries
Keep heavy loads around waist level
Use of mechanical handling aid
Package heavy materials into smaller container
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42. Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries
Provide handles, hand grips or indents for loads
Loads to be free from dust, oil, corrosive deposits, sharp corners, jagged edges or rough surfaces
Indents & Handles
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43. Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling Injuries
Provide secondary containment for chemicals
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44. Case Study The Case of Peter
Peter injured his back while moving some large drums. He has previously suffered from back problems but felt that it was under control. His doctor had advised him not to lift anything above 20 kg but he had not passed this information to his boss.
The injury was serious enough to land Peter in the hospital. Subsequently Peter was diagnosed with a torn disk. Peter admitted the drums were heavy, but wanted to have the job done.
What should Peter have done?
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45. Summary of Key Points Common injuries and occupational diseases
Hazards from manual handling
Common injuries and occupational diseases
Proper manual handling methods
Use of PPE
Job designs to prevent manual handling injuries

46. Musculoskeletal injuries and Occupational diseases is preventable
Be proactive: it is up to US to prevent it

47. Thank You

48. References: CP 92: 2002 Code of Practice for Manual Handling
Ministry of Manpower – Guidelines for Manual Handling
SS 437 : 1999 Part 2 : Specification for personal eye-protectors part 2 : selection, use and maintenance
SS 513 : 2005 Part 1 : Personal protective equipment – footwear. Part 1: Safety footwear
CP 74 : 1998 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protection devices

49. Appendix 1

50. Appendix 1

51. Appendix 1