Almost every employee is exposed to some form of manual handling at work, varying in risk from workplace to workplace.
Did you know musculoskeletal (sprains and strains) account for 43% of serious workers’ compensation claims? These sprains and strains are largely avoidable injuries that can be prevented by a targeted risk management approach to work health and safety initiative. Here are some common topics covered by manual handling training:
What Is Manual Handling?
A manual task involves using your body to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing.
How Do Manual Handling Injuries Occur?
A manual task becomes hazardous when one or more of the following risk factors are present:
- Repetitive or sustained force
- High or sudden force
- Repetitive movement
- Sustained or awkward posture
- Vibration
Identify, Assess and Control Manual Handling Risks
The workplace can’t always be the perfect environment for lifting and moving objects. You don’t live in a world full of perfectly square boxes, all of which are located at waist height. Manual handling training aims to:
- improve the skills of your staff in identifying manual handling risk
- how to apply manual handling principles to allow you to perform the task better on a day to day basis
Safe Lifting Techniques: The Most Important Step!!
Advice on reducing sprains and strains can involve specific anatomical and biomechanical knowledge and practice, making it hard for everyday employees to retain.
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Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/