Correct Manual Handling Techniques

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Manual handling is not extremely common in most parts of the IT environment although it is important to be sure that you know how to perform correct manual handling techniques. If manual handling is performed incorrectly there may be risk of manual handling injuries such as muscle sprains and strains, injury to muscles, ligaments and intervertebral discs, soft tissue injury, abdominal pain and chronic pain.

A significant part of workplace injuries are caused by incorrect manual handling so it is an important issue to cover.

Manual Handling

Manual handling includes lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, throwing, carrying, using hand tools and operating and maintaining machinery.
To correctly manage manual handling there are three steps to occur before the handling and a reflection afterwards.

Identify the Hazard
Assess the risk - Consider:
1. Actions and movements of the task;
2. Duration and frequency of the task;
3. Workplace and workstation layout where the task is done;
4. Posture and position of the person;
5. Location of the load, distance and direction moved; weights and forces involved;
6. Characteristics of the loads and equipment used;
7. Organisation of work;
8. Work environment;
9. Skills and experience of the person;
10. Age, physical capacity or special needs of the person;
11. Opportunities to vary work or have breaks; and
12. Clothing worn.
Control the Risk
1. Designing or redesigning manual handling tasks to eliminate or minimise activity risks;
2. Control the risks it is not possible to eliminate or minimise; and
3. Give employees appropriate training to carry out tasks.
Monitor and Review
1. Records of injuries or near misses and assessing if incidents rising or falling;
2. Regular walk-throughs in work areas to see if approved techniques or equipment is being utilized or that any introduced changes are adopted;
3. Regular staff consultations on changes to work practices or equipment;
4. Staff meeting discussions on manual handling issues;
5. Regular Hazard Inspections and Risk Assessments in accordance with Customs Practice Statement, OHS Policy – OHS Risk Management _HSMA2; and
6. Regular Workplace Self-Assessments in accordance with Customs OHS Policy Self Assessment Practice Statement.