Safer Manual handling

1. Safer Manual handling

2. Definition of manual handling “any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing” (Manual Handling Regulations and Code of Practice 1991)

3. General manual handling risk factors • Injuries occur when loads on anatomical structures are either instantly , or over time, greater than the structures can withstand. • The postures in which loads are handled contributes to the risk of injury in a number of ways.

4. Posture risk • If forces are applied at a large horizontal distance from the body the movements, and thus the muscle forces required, are much greater. • Moderate forward inclination of the trunk (trunk flexion) places the centre of gravity of the trunk some distance from the base of the spine which requires muscular effort to maintain against gravity.

5. Other risk factors • Cumulative damage can occur through • whole body vibration • prolonged muscular contraction in the absence of movement (blood flow is restricted and fatigue occurs) • wearing of protective equipment (gloves  muscular effort required to apply force) • twisting, overreaching, sudden or jerky movements • repetition

6. What regulates our practice in regards to manual handling? OHS&W Act OHS&W Regulations Codes of Practice Guidelines/Australian Standards Organisational Policies / Procedures

7. Individual responsibility • Risk identification- • identify risk factors, • all incidents and accidents to be reported, • Risk assessment - • assess risks involved • is manual handling essential? • What options are available? • Control of risk -(weight, size, shape, distance, height) • control any risk by reducing need for manual handling by using alternative means of handling.

8. Employer responsibility • Risk identification- • Provide a reporting mechanism • performed by workplace supervisor, OH&S rep, OH&S Committee. • identify risk factors, all incidents and accidents to be reported, data collated and trended. • Risk assessment - • by OHW&S reps, departmental Heads when requested. • Control of risk - • aim is to remove risk/hazard at its source.

9. Basic guidelinesto reduce manual handling hazards • Perform thorough RISK IDENTIFICATION / ASSESSMENT (no risk / no injury) • Report HAZARDS - (eliminate, control, reduce) • Know own capabilities/ abilities/ restrictions (physical /understanding equipment). • Plan procedure from beginning to end (optimal)

10. Basic guidelinesto reduce manual handling hazards • Report manual handling incidents or injuries • Responsibly use equipmentprovided by organisation • Use appropriate number of staff

11. Basic principles. • Warm up (either at home or work-? culture) • Environment uncluttered • Keep any load as close as possible to your body - If able avoid lifting and carrying • Non slip shoes • Push and not pull - trolleys and equipment. • Try not to lift with one hand • Vary tasks / reduce fatigue, muscle strain

12. 1 TYPES OF MANUAL HANDLING

13. Hold the vacuum hose with the arm held at the side. Step back and forth, not stooping over and moving side to side.

14. Kneel down to access low surfaces. Use long-handled sponge or brush to reach.

15. Place one foot on ledge at a time and maintain upright posture. Avoid stooping.

16. Use long handled equipment to avoid stooping.

17. Use step stool to access high items. Stool needs to have a wide base and items stored above shoulder should be light and infrequently required.