Controlling Manual Handling Risks:
- Once you have identified the hazards, you must determine how best to control them, to control or minimize the manual handling of ill-health issues, follow some below steps:
- Assess the situation before you lift anything
- Make sure you wear non-slip shoes. Steel toe cap shoes are good to have too!
- The next step is to bend your knees and keep your back up straight.
- Make sure that you have a good grip on the item that you are lifting.
- Manual handling gloves can help get a better grip.
- Lift slowly and smoothly. A smooth lift means that you will avoid twisting your body
- Point your feet in the direction that you want to go, and push rather than pull if possible.
- If, possible, avoid manual handling tasks. If it is not, then use a mechanical aid to help you lift and move the required load.
- Ensure that they (mechanical aid) have been well maintained and kept in good, safe working, and stable condition
- Ensure that the changes to the working area reduce the distance traveled with the load.
- Avoid or minimize the possibilities of twisting or bending
- Reduce the need for lifting from floor level or above shoulder height. Remember that is better to push rather than pull the load
- Assess the workplace to ensure that there are no obstructions (including doors), the flooring is adequate and there is enough lighting to carry out the task safely
- Provide frequent breaks to ensure that muscles can rest.
- Ask suppliers to reduce the size or weight of loads or to add handles to make it easier to grasp and make sure the load is stable
- Think about the individual, especially those who might be vulnerable to injuries, such as pregnant workers, young people, or those with a pre-existing health condition when teamwork is required.
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDLINES FOR MANUAL HANDLING |
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