1. MANUAL HANDLING Prepared by: Marcel RoyRevision 3: Dec 2005 SURPLUSELECTRICALCOMPANY HSE

2. 2 Introduction Back injuries caused by people having to lift, carry and handle excessive loads are the number one occupational health problem in the workplace. Back pain is the greatest single cause of lost work time. Back injuries caused by people having to lift, carry and handle excessive loads are the number one occupational health problem in the workplace. Back pain is the greatest single cause of lost work time. General sprains and strains tend to be the largest single compensation item and account for approximately 35% of all claims. Of this 35%, strained backs are the largest single group. General sprains and strains tend to be the largest single compensation item and account for approximately 35% of all claims. Of this 35%, strained backs are the largest single group. 1998 Shaw had 31 back injuries and 10 shoulder strains. 1998 Shaw had 31 back injuries and 10 shoulder strains. 1999 Shaw had 52 back injuries and 18 shoulder strains. 1999 Shaw had 52 back injuries and 18 shoulder strains. 2000 Shaw had 26 back injuries and 16 shoulder strains. (Jan-Jul) 2000 Shaw had 26 back injuries and 16 shoulder strains. (Jan-Jul)

3. 3 The Human Spine Back pain usually is defined as acute, chronic or intermittent pain occurring in the back, from the neck to the base of the spine (coccyx). Terms commonly used to describe this problem include: Back pain usually is defined as acute, chronic or intermittent pain occurring in the back, from the neck to the base of the spine (coccyx). Terms commonly used to describe this problem include: Lower back pain Lower back pain Fibrositis Fibrositis Lumbago Lumbago Sacroiliac pain Sacroiliac pain Slipped disc Slipped disc

4. 4 Vertebrae The spine is composed of bony segments known as vertebrae linked with discs of cartilage and held together by ligaments and muscles. Of the 33 bones in the spine, 24 permit movement and are made up of: The spine is composed of bony segments known as vertebrae linked with discs of cartilage and held together by ligaments and muscles. Of the 33 bones in the spine, 24 permit movement and are made up of: 7 neck vertebrae (cervical) 7 neck vertebrae (cervical) 12 chest vertebrae (thoracic) 12 chest vertebrae (thoracic) 5 lower back (lumbar) 5 lower back (lumbar)

5. 5 Intervertebral Discs Between each of these movable vertebrae are discs of fibrous tissue which are called the intervertebral discs. Each disk consists of an outer rubber coating called the annulus and an inner semi-gelatinous fluid called the nucleus. There are 3 main functions of the discs and they are: Between each of these movable vertebrae are discs of fibrous tissue which are called the intervertebral discs. Each disk consists of an outer rubber coating called the annulus and an inner semi-gelatinous fluid called the nucleus. There are 3 main functions of the discs and they are: To assist in binding the vertebrae together To permit movement of individual vertebrae To transmit body weight and to act as shock absorbers.

6. 6 Back Injuries Back injuries are basically of two type Back injuries are basically of two type Intervertebral Disc Injuries Intervertebral Disc Injuries Muscle and Ligament Injuries Muscle and Ligament Injuries

7. 7 Intervertebral Disc Injuries The spine is the shape of an elongated S, it is curved forward in the neck and loin and backwards in the chest. When the torso is in the upright position, compressible forces placed upon the spine, whilst lifting, carrying, pulling and so on are distributed throughout the whole length of the spine. Forces are distributed fairly evenly over the whole disc surface. When the spine is bent, most of the stress is thrown upon the parts where bending occurs. This is usually in the lower back region where movement is most free. The spine is the shape of an elongated S, it is curved forward in the neck and loin and backwards in the chest. When the torso is in the upright position, compressible forces placed upon the spine, whilst lifting, carrying, pulling and so on are distributed throughout the whole length of the spine. Forces are distributed fairly evenly over the whole disc surface. When the spine is bent, most of the stress is thrown upon the parts where bending occurs. This is usually in the lower back region where movement is most free.

8. 8 Intervertebral Disc Injuries Bending the spine, even without lifting a load can impose compressional forces of up to 200kg at some points in the back. With the addition of a load this stress can be significantly higher. Side lifts and lifting while the spine is twisted cause the stress to be applied to one side of the discs and in effect pinches them between the vertebrae. Extrusion of the disc centre can compress nerve roots and cause great discomfort and pain in the region below the hips. This is commonly referred to as “slipped disc”. Bending the spine, even without lifting a load can impose compressional forces of up to 200kg at some points in the back. With the addition of a load this stress can be significantly higher. Side lifts and lifting while the spine is twisted cause the stress to be applied to one side of the discs and in effect pinches them between the vertebrae. Extrusion of the disc centre can compress nerve roots and cause great discomfort and pain in the region below the hips. This is commonly referred to as “slipped disc”.

9. 9 Muscle and Ligament Injuries Strong elastic ligament surround and bind the bones and discs together, while the muscles which are attached to the vertebrae allow the trunk to move. Strong elastic ligament surround and bind the bones and discs together, while the muscles which are attached to the vertebrae allow the trunk to move. The majority of back aches are due to strains and injuries to the ligaments and muscles that support the bones. The majority of back aches are due to strains and injuries to the ligaments and muscles that support the bones. Back injuries often occur due to one of the following: Back injuries often occur due to one of the following: Rotation takes place during lifting Rotation takes place during lifting The load is lifted away from the body The load is lifted away from the body Jerking takes place during lifting Jerking takes place during lifting Loss of balance while lifting Loss of balance while lifting Lifting on an unstable surface Lifting on an unstable surface Working heights is too high or too low Working heights is too high or too low Long periods of static postures have to be maintained. Long periods of static postures have to be maintained.

10. 10 What is Manual Handling? Manual handling can be described as any task requiring the manipulation of objects by humans. It can be performed by an individual, or two or more people as part of a team, with or without the aid of mechanical devices. Manual handling describes the process whereby a person moves materials, items or people. Manual handling can be described as any task requiring the manipulation of objects by humans. It can be performed by an individual, or two or more people as part of a team, with or without the aid of mechanical devices. Manual handling describes the process whereby a person moves materials, items or people. As well as lifting there are many other activities that come under the manual handling umbrella, and the include: As well as lifting there are many other activities that come under the manual handling umbrella, and the include: pushing pushing pulling pulling carrying carrying sliding sliding wheeling wheeling operation of levers operation of levers

11. 11 What is Manual Handling? Manual handling may lead to both acute and chronic injury Manual handling may lead to both acute and chronic injury Of all the manual handling tasks, lifting and carrying are the two greatest concern as they usually subject the body to the greatest strain. Of all the manual handling tasks, lifting and carrying are the two greatest concern as they usually subject the body to the greatest strain.

12. 12 Hierarchy of Control Measures for Manual Handling There must be a strategy in place to control all potential hazards in the workplace. To control manual handling hazards the hierarchy of control measures should be addressed by following these steps: There must be a strategy in place to control all potential hazards in the workplace. To control manual handling hazards the hierarchy of control measures should be addressed by following these steps:

13. 13 1. Must the Load be Moved? Can the manual handling task be avoided all together, that is, can we avoid moving the load. Can the manual handling task be avoided all together, that is, can we avoid moving the load. DO NOT move loads that do not need to be moved. Proper planning and organization can result in elimination of most manual handling. DO NOT move loads that do not need to be moved. Proper planning and organization can result in elimination of most manual handling. Attention to material flow may indicate ways of minimizing movement of materials in the first place. Attention to material flow may indicate ways of minimizing movement of materials in the first place. However, if the load must be moved then the next question is: However, if the load must be moved then the next question is:

14. 14 2. Must it be Lifted? Some loads can be slid, pushed, rolled, poured or pumped, removing the need to lift. Some loads can be slid, pushed, rolled, poured or pumped, removing the need to lift. DO NOT lift a load that does not need to be lifted. DO NOT lift a load that does not need to be lifted. Where lifting is necessary, the next step in the hierarchy of control measures is consideration of “engineering solutions”. Where lifting is necessary, the next step in the hierarchy of control measures is consideration of “engineering solutions”. If the load needs to be lifted the next question is: If the load needs to be lifted the next question is:

15. 15 3. Can it be Moved Mechanically? If there is a suitable crane, forklift truck, winch, hand truck or the like available to handle the load, then it should be used. If there is a suitable crane, forklift truck, winch, hand truck or the like available to handle the load, then it should be used. DO NOT manually handle a load that can be moved mechanically. DO NOT manually handle a load that can be moved mechanically. If mechanical assistance is not available the next question is: If mechanical assistance is not available the next question is:

16. 16 4. Can the Load be Reduced? Perhaps into smaller and lighter components. Perhaps into smaller and lighter components. If not, we must carefully consider the load’s bulk, the distance it must be moved and its difficulty in handling. Dividing a load will reduce its weight and bulk, clearing a more direct path will reduce the distance, and better containerization will reduce the difficulty of handling. If not, we must carefully consider the load’s bulk, the distance it must be moved and its difficulty in handling. Dividing a load will reduce its weight and bulk, clearing a more direct path will reduce the distance, and better containerization will reduce the difficulty of handling. DO NOT carry a load that is excessive in weight, bulk, distance of lift or difficulty of handling. DO NOT carry a load that is excessive in weight, bulk, distance of lift or difficulty of handling. Finally the last resort is the human factor. Finally the last resort is the human factor.

17. 17 5. Can Assistance be Gained? Some loads require a team lift, or at least two people to handle the size, bulk or weight. Some loads require a team lift, or at least two people to handle the size, bulk or weight. DO NOT lift on your own if a team lift is required. DO NOT lift on your own if a team lift is required. Whether assistance is available or not, there is one final question which must be asked, and it is: Whether assistance is available or not, there is one final question which must be asked, and it is:

18. 18 6. Is the Load too Heavy to Safely Lift? In other words, is the load within your own lifting capacity? In other words, is the load within your own lifting capacity? If the load is not too heavy the lifter(s) can proceed, ensuring they follow correct lifting techniques. If the load is not too heavy the lifter(s) can proceed, ensuring they follow correct lifting techniques. DO NOT lift a load that is too bulky, too awkward, or is not with your comfortable lifting capacity. DO NOT lift a load that is too bulky, too awkward, or is not with your comfortable lifting capacity.

19. 19 Summary 1. Must the load be moved? 2. Must it be lifted? 3. Can it be moved mechanically? 4. Can the load be reduced? 5. Can assistance be gained? 6. Is the load too heavy to safely lift?

20. 20 Nature of the Load A load may be difficult to handle safely because it is: A load may be difficult to handle safely because it is: Too heavy, large or too awkward. Too heavy, large or too awkward. Too soft to control Too soft to control Unbalanced, unstable or the contents liable to move Unbalanced, unstable or the contents liable to move Contains moving parts Contains moving parts Difficult to grip Difficult to grip Poorly positioned. Poorly positioned. PHYSICAL HAZARDS PHYSICAL HAZARDS Object may have sharp edges Hot or cold to the touch May contain chemicals that could be spilled or leak.

21. 21 Working Conditions Any manual handling task will be made more hazardous if it has to be performed in difficult or unfavorable working conditions. Any manual handling task will be made more hazardous if it has to be performed in difficult or unfavorable working conditions. The layout of the work area should take into account the distance over which typical loads have to be moved and the height of shelves and tables. The layout of the work area should take into account the distance over which typical loads have to be moved and the height of shelves and tables. Gangways and working areas should be significantly spacious to allow easy maneuverability. Floors and other walking surfaces should be level and firm as well as free from obstructions. Gangways and working areas should be significantly spacious to allow easy maneuverability. Floors and other walking surfaces should be level and firm as well as free from obstructions.

22. 22 Personal Limitations of the Individual Lifting, carrying and moving loads consumes muscular energy. People vary enormously in their capacity to produce such energy and full account should be taken of an individual’s limitations. Lifting, carrying and moving loads consumes muscular energy. People vary enormously in their capacity to produce such energy and full account should be taken of an individual’s limitations. Age Age Strength and degree of bodily development Strength and degree of bodily development General state of health fitness and mobility General state of health fitness and mobility Training, skill and experience Training, skill and experience Susceptibility to fatigue Susceptibility to fatigue Other physical features such as height, reach, grip size and general body size. Other physical features such as height, reach, grip size and general body size.

23. 23 Remember The risk of injury increases dramatically when people work beyond their own capacity. The risk of injury increases dramatically when people work beyond their own capacity. Any task that leads to a sense of strain, discomfort or fatigue should be carefully evaluated. Any task that leads to a sense of strain, discomfort or fatigue should be carefully evaluated.

24. 24 Safe Lifting Techniques 1. Preparation The first step in any lifting operation is preparation. Clear the area of hazards, oils, objects on the floor, and obstructions on the pathway.

25. 25 Safe Lifting Techniques 2. Check The Load Check the load for sharp edges and things like protruding nails and staples. Wear protective clothing if necessary. As well as gloves and safety shoes this includes eye protection.

26. 26 Safe Lifting Techniques 3. Size up the Load This could be done by reading the information panels on the object together with moving the load sideways and forward. This is a very important step as it allows the person to ascertain whether the load to be lifted is within their capacity.

27. 27 Safe Lifting Techniques 4. Proper Foot Position As a general rule the front foot should be beside the object, pointing in the direction of travel. The back foot should be slightly behind and be hip width from the front foot. This achieves a stable base and allows for even distribution of weight.

28. 28 Safe Lifting Techniques 5. Proper Hold Ideally with the proper hold the hands should be diagonally opposite for security and comfort. Use the full length of fingers and where possible the palms of the hands to avoid fatigue.

29. 29 Safe Lifting Techniques 6. Bend the Knees Bend the knees to get down to the load and use the legs to lift the load. This way thigh and leg muscles are used and these are the strongest part of the body.

30. 30 Safe Lifting Techniques 7. Straight Back Make the back as near to straight as possible, raise the head with the chin in, just before lifting. This will keep the spine straight and enable the person lifting to see where he or she is going.

31. 31 Safe Lifting Techniques 8. Arms Close to the Body During the lift keep the arms as straight as possible and the elbows in to the side. Don’t change your grip while carrying and directly face the spot on which the load will rest.

32. 32 Remember Regardless of the shape or appearance of the object the principles of safe lifting remain the same. Regardless of the shape or appearance of the object the principles of safe lifting remain the same. When setting down the reverse procedure to lifting should be applied. When setting down the reverse procedure to lifting should be applied.

33. 33 Summary 1. Preparation 2. Check the load 3. Size up the load 4. Proper foot position 5. Proper hold 6. Bend the knees 7. Straight back 8. Arms close to the body.