How to avoid a manual handling injury when lifting?
- Plan and check for dangers to yourself or others.
- Check your balance and position.
- When lifting items use your legs.
- When moving your load, move from your feet.
- Ensure that others can see you.
What are the 6 principles of preventing manual handling injuries?
Key points
- Workers must be trained in correct techniques for manual handling jobs.
- No one should lift something that is too heavy for them.
- Lift with the legs, not the back.
- (Re)design the workplace to minimise manual handling risks.
- Use mechanical/lifting aids where possible.
- Plan regular breaks and rotate jobs.
What are the six steps of safe manual handling?
Page 1
- Identify the object, plan ahead • Where do you need to take the load? •
- 2 Holding. the object • Make a decision on how and where to hold the object.
- 3 Posture. •
- 4 Lifting. •
- 5 Walking. with a load • Keep the load as close to your body as possible with your arms straight.
- 6 Unloading.
What part of the body is mostly affected by poor manual handling techniques?
The back is particularly vulnerable to manual handling injuries. Safety suggestions include controlling risk factors in the workplace, in addition to personal controls: Lift and carry heavy loads correctly by keeping the load close to the body and lifting with the thigh muscles.
What is the most effective way of controlling a manual lift?
Use mechanical aids or get help to lift or carry a heavy load whenever possible. Organise the work area to reduce the amount of bending, twisting and stretching required. Take frequent breaks. Cool down after heavy work with gentle, sustained stretches.
What are the key principles of manual handling?
Basic principles of safe moving and handling
- Plan the lift and carefully consider whether additional lifting aids are needed.
- Reduce the distance of the lift where possible.
- Map out your route and remove any objections that may cause an obstruction.
- Wear suitable clothing that doesn’t threaten to obstruct the lift.
