Www.davidhitchcock.co.uk MANUAL HANDLING DAVID HITCHCOCK BSc FErgS EurErg CMIOSH FRSH

www.davidhitchcock.co.uk MANUAL HANDLING

DAVID HITCHCOCK BSc FErgS EurErg CMIOSH FRSH


BACKGROUND The reasons why manual handling is such an important issue and the legislation aimed at protecting people from the risks.

THE RISKS A look at the gamut of manual handling risks – and how to avoid or manage them.

RISK ASSESSMENT Assessing risk using the MAC tool and the L23 assessment.

GOOD PRACTICE The principles of good manual handling practice

PROGRAMME


BACKGROUND

BACKGROUND


HSE national priority

36% of over 3 day injuries are classed as ‘manual handling’

Over 100,000 reports of first incidence of lower back pain each year

Nearly 6 million working days lost each year due to back problems

THE PROBLEM


INJURIES

“Single episode” is often actually the result of cumulative trauma


THE NEUTRAL GOAL


AVOID (Reg 4(1)(a))• hazardous operations

ASSESS (Reg 4(1)(b)(i))• any hazardous operations that cannot be avoided

REDUCE (Reg 4(1)(b)(ii))• the risk of injury

MONITOR / CONTROL (Reg 4(2))• to further reduce the risks

MANAGE (Reg 5)

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS


THE REQUIREMENTS OF ASSESSMENT

“That Looks Hard” Check Break

Tasks Down

Look at Each

Factor

Chip Away

Overall Risk

Reduced

“That Looks

Easier”

Double Check


WHO IS AFFECTED ?

Who /Job Title What Do They Do? Where?


ADVICE www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm

LEAFLETS www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/manlinde.htm

BOOKS www.hsebooks.com/Books/search/stepsrch.asp

USEFUL HSE RESOURCES

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/manlinde.htm

http://www.hsebooks.com/Books/search/stepsrch.asp


THE RISKS

THE RISKS


A MATTER OF ERGONOMICS

Manual Handling


TASK FACTORS

Reaching/holding away from the body Twisting the body Stooping downwards Lifting from floor Lifting above shoulder Poor workplace layout Long carrying distances Static postures/lifting


TASK FACTORS

Frequency Prolonged effort Repetition Insufficient rest or recovery Imposed work rate Team handling


INDIVIDUAL FACTORS

Gender differences Size differences Age considerations Pre-existing conditions Pregnancy


LOAD FACTORS

Weight Bulk Grasp Stability Predictably Intrinsic harm


ENVIRONMENT FACTORS

Postural constraints Slippery/contaminated floors Variations in levels Lighting Temperature Air movements PPE


‘SPOT THE HAZARDS 1’






RISK ASSESSMENT

RISK ASSESSMENT


RISK ASSESSMENT

MAC L23


L23


L23 : 3-STAGE PROCESS

1 • Risk Filter

2 • Preliminary Assessment

3 • Detailed Assessment


L23 : RISK FILTER

WARNING…ASSUMPTIONS


L23 : EXAMPLE ASSUMPTIONS

Only guideline figures for 95% of handlers Load is easy to grasp Environment is reasonable Movement reductions:

Frequency Reduction to Guidelines

Twist Reduction to Guidelines

1-2 per min 30% 45° 10%

5-8 per min 50% 90° 20%

12 per min 80%


L23 : FURTHER ASSESSMENT

Preliminary Detailed


PUSHING & PULLING

350 – 450 N

50 - 70 N

48 N

742 N

200 N

450 N

LOW RISK

MODERATE RISK – Changes in the short/medium term

HIGH RISK – Immediate changes required


MAC


MAC

LOW LEVEL OF RISK• The vulnerability of special risk groups should be considered where appropriate.

MEDIUM LEVEL OF RISK•Examine tasks closely

HIGH LEVEL OF RISK•Prompt action needed – a significant proportion of workers may be at risk of injury

VERY HIGH LEVEL OF RISK•Stop the task immediately and make improvement measures.


MAC FOR LIFTING TASKS


MAC FOR CARRYING TASKS


MAC FOR TEAM HANDLING TASKS


MAC SCORE SHEET


GOOD PRACTICE

GOOD PRACTICE


STEP 1 OF 11

Think Before You Lift Plan the lift. Where is the load going to be placed? Use appropriate handling aids if possible. Do you need help with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials. Think about the best way of lifting this load. For a long lift ‑ such as floor to shoulder height ‑ consider resting the load mid‑way on a table or bench in order to change grip.


STEP 2 OF 11

Keep the Load Close to Your WaistKeep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible. The distance of the load from the spine at waist height is an important factor in the overall load on your spine and back muscles. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to your body. If a close approach to the load is not possible try sliding it towards you before attempting to lift it.


STEP 3 OF 11

Adopt a Stable PositionHave the feet slightly apart with one leg slightly forward to help maintain balance (alongside the load if it is on the ground). Be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain a stable posture.


STEP 4 OF 11

Get a Good Hold on the LoadTry hugging it close to the body if possible. This may be better than gripping it tightly only with your hands.


STEP 5 OF 11

Something New !!!!At the start of the lift, moderate flexion (slight bending) of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (stooping) or the hips and knees (squatting).


STEP 6 OF 11

Don’t Flex the Back FurtherThis can happen as you lift if you begin to straighten your legs before starting to raise the load.


STEP 7 OF 11

Avoid Twisting or Leaning…especially while the back is bent. Keep shoulders level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning (by moving the feet) after lifting is better than twisting and lifting at the same time.


STEP 8 OF 11

Keep the Head UpLook ahead, not down at the load once you have grasped it and secured it.


STEP 9 OF 11

Move SmoothlyTry not to jerk or snatch at the load as this can make it harder to keep control of the load and can increase the risk of injury.


STEP 10 OF 11

Limit to What Can be Easily ManagedThere is a difference between what you can lift and what you can safely lift. If in doubt, seek advice or get help.


STEP 11 OF 11

Put Down Then AdjustIf precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into the desired position.


GOING A BIT FURTHER

ISBN-10: 1420077511

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Www.davidhitchcock.co.uk MANUAL HANDLING DAVID HITCHCOCK BSc FErgS EurErg CMIOSH FRSH