8. 8
Falling ObjectsFalling Objects
No temporary piles
Stack items securely, don’t overload
Don’t stack different things on top of
each other
9. 9
Falling ObjectsFalling Objects
No temporary piles
Stack items securely, don’t overload
Don’t stack different things on top of
each other
Shut cupboards
Stand on steps, never on a swivel chair.
12. 12
LiftingLifting
Not or
Manual handling is not just about special activities or super-fitness.
It applies to every time that you lift anything, however common-
place or seemingly innocuous.
13. 13
LiftingLifting
Not or
Minimise manual handling
consider alternative layout or system of work
use mechanical aids
get assistance for heavy or awkward loads.
15. 15
LiftingLifting
Split the load into several if possible
Assess the weight, shape,
freedom to move,
centre of gravity, hand holds.
Use leverage if possible
16. 16
LiftingLifting
Split the load into several if possible
Assess the weight, shape,
freedom to move,
centre of gravity, hand holds.
Use leverage if possible
Nº wires?
Monitor screen
is the heavy end
17. 17
You have no backbone!You have no backbone!
The basic design of your body dates from when
humans were four-legged animals.
18. 18
You have no backbone!You have no backbone!
Your arms & shoulders, and your legs & hips
form two posts of solid bone.
Your spine is a flexible link between the two,
but which carries little weight.
19. 19
You have no backbone!You have no backbone!
Think of it like a washing line, with your
vertebrae as clothes-pegs hanging from it.
They are sufficient to hang one garment only
but not for hanging a heavy weight or for a
sudden jerk.
20. 20
Fishermen’s TalesFishermen’s Tales
See how much the rod bends when even a
small fish is lifted out of the water. Holding the
rod takes much greater effort that you need to
lift the weight of the fish.
The forces on the bottom of your spine are
similar when you lift a load by bending over.
21. 21
Gone fishingGone fishing
If the fish was as large as they
would have you believe, they
certainly couldn’t have lifted it!
23. 23
What is a slipped disc?What is a slipped disc?
Why do old people shrink?
24. 24
What is a slipped disc?What is a slipped disc?
The ‘disc’ between each vertebrae is a sack
filled with a shock-absorbing jelly.
A ‘slipped’ disc is when it has
been squeezed out of position
or actually ruptured.
The result is that the bones
grind painfully on each other
whenever you move your back.
25. 25
What is a slipped disc?What is a slipped disc?
Once this has
happened, it
may never
return to
normal.
Permanent
pain may result
27. 27
PregnantPregnant menmen
beer bellies are
bad for backs
big bottoms are better
- they are attached to your hips, not your back
(and they counterbalance anything you lift!)
If you are a stone overweight,
that is worse that holding a full 5
litre bottle to your stomach all
day, every day!
28. 28
Learn to love your loadLearn to love your load
Hold it close to you.
Wear appropriate
clothing
Wear an overall if the object is
dirty
Use your chest or
stomach as the 3rd
point
of contact for stability.
29. 29
Get a grip!Get a grip!
No sweat
Sweat is a good lubricant, so
you may lose your grip.
If there isn’t a comfortable and
secure hand-hold, wear gloves
no sharp edges or splinters
hold underneath or on a strong place
30. 30
LiftingLifting
Split the load if possible
Assess the weight, shape, freedom to move,
centre of gravity, hand holds.
Use leverage if possible
Get close with feet apart
Secure grip (gloves?)
Bend knees, keep back upright
Never twist your back - do a 3-point turn.
Move smoothly - don’t jerk.
Take care when putting down
35. 35
CarryingCarrying
Use a sack barrow or trolley if possible
Check the route
Balance the load
(2 buckets are better than one)
Grasp firmly (wear gloves?)
36. 36
CarryingCarrying
Use a sack barrow or trolley if possible
Check the route
Balance the load
(2 buckets are better than one)
Grasp firmly (wear gloves?)
See ahead
Get others to hold doors open
Keep clear of obstructions
Put it down securely
39. 39
Pushing and pullingPushing and pulling
Pushing is usually
better than pulling
See where you are going
Don’t hunch your shoulders
40. 40
Pushing and pullingPushing and pulling
Pushing is usually
better than pulling
See where you are going
Don’t hunch your shoulders
Be prepared for
a sudden stop
41. 41
CastorsCastors
You cannot pull a copier with 4 castors
180º from its last direction, because the
castors will jam.
Only when all the castors are pointing
in the right direction can you move it
in the direction which you want it to go.
42. 42
CastorsCastors
You cannot pull a copier with 4 castors
180º from its last direction, because the
castors will jam.
Only when all the castors are pointing
in the right direction can you move it
in the direction which you want it to go.
First swing each end of the machine out
to turn the castors to the direction
in which you want to go.
Be prepared for a sudden stop on
uneven flooring or in hidden dips.
11 22
33
43. 43
Push where?Push where?
Where possible, use your
thighs, hips or bottom
to get something moving.
Avoid unnecessary bending
over and use of your arms.
44. 44
If you do get back painIf you do get back pain
If you do getIf you do get
back painback pain
45. 45
If you do get back painIf you do get back pain
Check there is no spine disease
(very unlikely)
46. 46
If you do get back painIf you do get back pain
Check there is no spine disease
NOT bed-rest
47. 47
If you do get back painIf you do get back pain
Check there is no spine disease
NOT bed-rest
Take pain killers
Work through it
Learn from what caused itLearn from what caused it
Change something about itChange something about it
Improve your life-style
49. 49
P.A.U.S.E.P.A.U.S.E.
P.A.U.S.E.
for thought
PPlan each task
AAnalyse what might happen
UUnexpected - be prepared
SSlipping, tripping & sprains
EEntanglement
P.A.U.S.E. for thought ... think safety
A millisecond makes all
the difference
50. 50
To concludeTo conclude
Please think about what you have seen
in this presentation.
Walk tall
Shoulders back
Head held high
Injuries hurt. Pain isn’t pleasant.
You have choices about your life.
Editor's Notes
13
13
Every time that you do anything, pausing for a millisecond or two prevents complacency and ensures neither you nor anyone else gets injured – and that the job is done right first time.