The Blog

Manual Handling

We've explored the best practices for safe manual handling in your workplace.

No matter your occupation, following these tips should greatly reduce your chances of a workplace injury due to improper manual handling.

BIA

12/03/24

The Blog

Manual Handling

We've explored the best practices for safe manual handling in your workplace.

No matter your occupation, following these tips should greatly reduce your chances of a workplace injury due to improper manual handling.

12/03/24

Manual Handling

Manual handling is something everybody in the work place needs to be aware of and is present in a number of different work environments. Whether it’s lifting boxes, moving equipment, or pushing trolleys, it remains one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace.

The following best practices can help prevent injuries and improve working conditions. Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from the risk of injury.

Why Manual Handling Matters

Manual handling leads to a significant proportion of work-related injuries. The International Labour Organisation highlights that poor manual handling can cause a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including injuries to arms, legs, joints and back. When workers experience pain or injury because of improper handling, productivity declines, and can often lead to long term sickness absence, or restriction of duties. Employers also have a legal responsibility to assess and reduce risks, and provide information, instruction and training on safe manual handling.

Ensuring Safe Manual Handling

There are a number of things you can do before you even start lifting to ensure that you are being as safe as possible and avoiding any habits that may increase your potential for an injury.

  • Make any loads you carry smaller, lighter and easier to carry where possible.
  • Break up large consignments into smaller loads.
  • Modify the workplace to reduce carrying distances, twisting movements, or the need to lift things from floor level or above shoulder height.
  • Improve the environment where possible, for example more space, better flooring, extra lighting or changing the air temperature can make manual handling easier and safer.
  • Ensure adequate training in manual handling is available to all employees.

Manual Handling Tips

Best practices in manual handling are extremely important in the workplace, following the provided tips will help prevent any injuries or problems that may arise.

  • Before you even start lifting, take the time to plan your lift. Assess the route you need to take, make sure the load is not too big and where possible use machines or lifting tools to help.
  • Keep your feet shoulder width apart to give you a balanced and stable stance for lifting and handling.
  • Ensure a good posture, make sure to bend your knees and use your leg muscles when lifting, to avoid strain on your back.
  • It is important that your back is kept straight during lifting as this is one of the most commonly injured areas.
  • Maintain a firm grip while handling by hooking your fingers rather than keeping them straight, straight fingers can add additional strain to the task.
  • Keep the load close to your body as this helps ensure a strong and more stable lift.
  • Lift smoothly and with your chin whilst looking straight ahead as this enables a secure and smooth lift.

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