This document provides information on manual handling dangers and controls. It discusses what manual handling is, common manual handling injuries, and how to properly assess risks and lift loads safely. The key points are to lift with the legs, keep the back straight, avoid twisting, get help for heavy loads, and use load handling equipment when possible to minimize manual handling risks and injuries.

1. MANUAL
HANDLING
DANGERS AND
CONTROLS

2. CONTENTS
What is manual handling.
What are the dangers of
manual handling.
What are the precautions
for manual handling.

3. COURSE
AIM
To provide workers with adequate
information that will help them prevent or
control the dangers associated with manual
handling through safe lifting.

4. Objectives
Upon completion of the lesson, Participants will be
able to:
• Get a basic Understanding of the Health risk in Manual
handling Operations at workplace.
• Involve effectively in Manual handling risk assessment at
workplace and learn Safe Lifting technique.
• Identify problems and the Mitigation concepts ( as per
PDCA cycle).
• Best practice in the industry in Manual Handling Risk
Management Process.

5. What’s the Problem
• Many Manual handling injuries are built up
over a period rather than being caused by
a single Handling incident.
• These injuries occur wherever people are
at work – on farms and building sites, in
factories, offices, warehouses, hospitals,
banks, laboratories and while making
deliveries.

6. What’s the Problem
• Improper Manual Lifting or carrying loads that are
too large or heavy
• Being struck by materials or being caught in pinch
points
• Crushed by Machines, falling materials or
improperly stored materials
• Incorrectly cutting ties or securing devices
• Lifting objects is a major cause of back injuries in
the workplace
• Improper storing and Handling of material and
equipment

7. WHAT IS MANUAL HANDLING
MANUAL HANDLING IS PUSHING, PULLING, SUPPORT, LIFTING OF A LOAD USING BODILY FORCE.

8. Causes of
Manual
Handling
• Carrying and Lifting
• Climbing
• Pushing and Pulling
• Pivoting
• Bending
• Repetitive motions

9. Dangers of Manual Handling
Back injury - prolapsed disc.
Tendon and ligament injuries.
Muscle injuries.
Hernias.
WRULDs.
Cuts from sharp
Burns from hot or chemicals
Broken bones because of too heavy

10. Control of manual handling
ASSESS MANUAL
HANDLING RISKS
USING
PROVIDE LOAD
HANDLING
EQUIPMENT
PRACTICE SAFE
MANUAL HANDLING
ADMINISTRATIVE
CONTROLS

11. Assessing Manual Handling
Risks
Four main factors:
• T ask.
• I ndividual.
• L oad.
• E nvironment.

12. The Task
• Height of load.
• Repetition of task.
• Carry distance.
• Stooping.
• Twisting.
• Rest breaks.
• Vertical distance.
• Above shoulder height.
• Over-reaching.

13. Individual
Capabilities
• Unusual ability required?
• Significant risks to
vulnerable people?
• Pregnant workers.
• Workers with back pain.

14. Load
• Weight.
• Size and bulk.
• Stability.
• Centre of gravity.
• Grip.
• Is it hot, sharp, etc.?

15. The Environment
• Space restrictions.
• Floor condition:
• Slippery?
• Uneven?
• Changes in level.
• Light levels.
• Temperature.
• Humidity.

16. Load handling Aids
• Trolleys.
• Barrel lifts.
• Gin wheels.
• Trucks.
• Hoists and lifts.

17. Storage areas
• Designated area and clearly marked
• Lay out design to avoid tight corners, pillars,
uneven surfaces, changes of gradient and
awkwardly placed doors.
• Typical racking system, either fixed or
adjustable, to support loads without the use of
shelves
• Well lit and free of obstruction that can cause
some slip or trip hazard

18. Training
• Good Lifting and Manual handling technique
• Prevention of Manual handling injury
• Recognition of Poor Handling technique
• Correct use Mechanical Handling aid
• The correct use of PPE
• Features of the Working Environment which aid safety in
Manual handling Operation
• Factors which Individuals Capability

19. Personal
protective
equipment
• Coveralls
• Gloves
• Non slippery shoes/safety
shoes
• Safety glass
• Helmet

20. Employees duties
• Follow appropriate system of work laid down for
their safety
• Make proper use of equipment provided for their
safety
• Co-operate with their employer on health and
safety matters
• Inform the employer if they identify hazardous
handling activities
• Take care to ensure that their activities do not put
others to risk

21. The Employee Should….
• AVOID the need for Hazardous Manual
Handling, as reasonably practicable
• ASSESS the risk of injury from any
Hazardous manual handling that can’t be
avoided
• REDUCE the risk of injury from Hazardous
Manual Handling, as far as reasonably
practicable

22. Stop and think
• Plan the Lift.
• Where is the load to be placed?
• Use appropriate handling aids if possible.
• Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping
materials.
• For a long lift, such as floor to shoulder height,
consider resting the load mid way on a table or bench
to change grip.

23. Position the Feet
• Feet apart giving a balanced and stable
base for Lifting (tight skirts and
unsuitable footwear make this difficult).
• Leading leg as far forward as is
comfortable and if possible, pointing in
the direction you intend to go.

24. Adopt a Good Posture
 When lifting from a low level, bend the
knees. But do not kneel or over flex the
knees. Keep the back straight, Maintaining
its natural curve (tucking in the chin
helps).
 Lean forward a little over the load if
necessary, to get a good grip.
 Keep the shoulders level and facing the
same direction as the hips.

25. Get a Good Grip
• Try to keep the arms within the
boundary formed by the legs.
• The best position and type of grip
depends on the circumstances and
individual preference: but must be
secure.
• A hook grip is less tiring than
keeping the fingers straight.
If you need to vary the grip
as the lift proceeds, do it as
smoothly as possible.

26. Keep Close to Load
• Keep the Load close to the trunk for as
long as possible.
• Keep heaviest side of the load next to the
trunk.
• If a close approach to the load is not
possible, slide it towards you before trying
to Lift.

27. Getting the Grips with Manual Handling
•Don’t jerk.
Lift Smoothly, raising the chin as the lift begins,
keeping control of the Load.
•Move the feet
Don’t twist the trunk when turning to the side.
•Put down, then adjust
If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it
down first, then slide it into the desired position.

28. Twisting
• Reduce the Guideline weight if the lifter
twists to the side during the operation.
• As a rough Guide, reduce them by 10% if
the handler twists beyond 45,
and by 20% if the handler
twists beyond 90.

29. Manual Handling
Seek help:
• When a load is too bulky to properly grasp or lift
• When you can’t see around or over the load
• When you can’t safely handle the load
• Attach handles to loads to reduce the chances of
getting fingers smashed.

30. Manual Handling Safety

31. Administrative controls
Frequent breaks
Group lifting
Job rotation
Training and awareness
Supervision

32. Summary
• Manually handling materials
• When Lifting objects, lift with your legs, keep your
back straight, do not twist, and use handling aids
• Avoid Manual handling if possible if not use the
proper technique to prevent any injury.