Manual Handling

Manual Handling

There are numerous activities at our events that involve lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling – also known as ‘manual handling’. Most of these tasks are like those that we do in our everyday life. However, some of them we may have to do more frequently when at events or may involve larger, heavier, or more awkward loads. Others may involve movement over longer distances or the need to negotiate changes in level that we may not be faced with at home. For these reasons, some tasks will present a risk of injury to the person performing them, such as muscular strains or the spraining of joints. There will be occasions where sharp items may need to be handled, such as a broken item, presenting a risk of cuts/lacerations if handled directly.

Because of the above-mentioned risks, we provide the following advice to help avoid accidents or injuries.

People are different!

The ability to carry out physical work such as manual handling will vary between people, e.g. with age, fitness, etc. and also for the same person over time, e.g. as they age, become more or less fit, suffer injuries or illness.

• Do not assume that everyone is capable of a particular task just because one person is able to carry it out easily. Do not push yourself to breaking point or risk injury, ask for help and take breaks as you need to.

Certain conditions can make persons more susceptible to manual handling injuries, even if they might otherwise be considered likely to be capable of a particular task.

These include;

• Pregnancy and nursing,
• Any existing upper limb problems
• Any existing back problems
• Hernia, etc.

If you are asked to assist in a manual handling task and it is not safe for you to do so, simply explain that you cannot help - you do not need to provide details why.

Before moving an object or load

• If you cannot identify or judge the weight of a load investigate before lifting. For large objects you may need a vehicle to safely move over a long distance or even lift it in the first place.
• If necessary, loads should be broken down to a more manageable weight, especially in cases where help from another member of staff is not available.
• Help should always be sought from colleagues to move heavy or awkward objects that cannot be split into smaller, or more manageable, loads.
• Make sure the load is evenly distributed where possible, consider how it will be moved it the weight distribution is uneven. For example you may need more people on one end than another. Note unstable loads will be more difficult to handle so the safe maximum load for each person will be reduced.
• Sensible footwear which gives a good grip and allows for good balance must be worn.
• Examine the route to be taken; is it well lit, are there steps or changes in level, are there any obstructions or trip hazards that need to be moved out of the way, etc. Do you need someone to clear a path as you move?
• For a long lift, consider resting the load midway to change grip.
• Look at where the load is to be moved to. Can it be put down safely and easily or is there any need to move other items to create space?
• Are there any sharp edges on the load? If so cover them or wear protective gloves.
• If the load needs to be lifted by straps, are gloves needed to stop these cutting into hands?

When lifting and carrying

Adopt a stable position

• The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to maintain balance (alongside the load, if it is on the ground).
• Try to stand close enough to the load to have the center of weight of the load as close as possible to the body. If the load is on the floor placing feet to the sides of the load can help (having feet square against one side will “push you away”).
• Be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain a stable and balanced position.
• Avoid tight clothing or footwear which may make this difficult.

Keep the load close to the waist

• Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting.
• Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body.
• If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it.

Get a good hold

• Where possible the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.

Start in a good posture

• At the start and end of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (stooping) or fully flexing the hips and knees (squatting) where possible.
• Don’t flex the back any further while lifting or lowering.

• This can happen if the legs begin to straighten before starting to raise the load.

Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways especially while the back is bent

• Shoulders should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time.

Move smoothly

• The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder to keep control and can increase the risk of injury.

Put down the load then adjust

• If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, and then slide it into the desired position.