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Manual Handling is: The movement of a load by human effort alone. It may involve the movement of a load or the direct support of a load.

It involves pushing, pulling, carrying, moving by bodily force and straight forward lifting.

Main Injuries Caused by Manual Handling Operations Are: 

• Muscular sprains and strains (arms, back, wrists)

• Back injuries (slipped disc, lumbago sciatica)

• Trapped nerves and hernia

• Cuts, bruising and abrasions (from sharp loads)

• Fractures

• Work related upper limb disorders (WRULD’s)

• RHEUMATISM (chronic disorder)

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

• Avoid manual handling (re-designing task, automating or mechanizing).

• If Manual Handling Operations cannot be avoided then a suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be made.

• (Where all foreseeable hazards are identified and controlled / reduced by effective control measures)

•  Reduce the risk of injury from those operations by the use of mechanical handling or by making improvements to the task, load and working environment.

Think Before Lifting / Handling:

• Plan the lift

• Can handling aids be used

• Will help be needed with the load

• Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials

• For long lifts consider resting at the midway point on a table or bench to change grip.