Mastering Manual Handling: Essential Tips and Techniques

1. Manual Handling What you should know BWF Health & Safety Hero Campaign

2. Manual Handling • What are the problems? • What is manual handling? • Manual handling injuries? • Causes of injuries • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 • Assessments • Controlling Risks • Practical problems and solutions • Training

3. What percentage of workplace accidents result from Manual Handling in the Woodworking Industry ? • 10% • 35.7% • 17.2% • 30% • 24.1% Answer = 30%

4. Definition of Manual Handling Manual Handling is the • Movement or support of any load by physical effort, including: • lifting • putting down • pushing • pulling • carrying • moving • Includes using mechanical aids such as trucks, trolleys etc.

5. Manual Handling Injuries • Fractures • Damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons • Spinal disc injuries • Trapped nerves • Abrasions and cuts • Burns • Hernias

6. The Human Spine • Spine is composed of a series of individual vertebrae • Separated by disc acting as a “shock absorber” • When the back is additionally stretched, bent or twisted, the discs are exposed, this is when a disc can become damaged or “slip”.

7. Manual Handling Operations Regulations • Identification of manual handling operations • Avoidance of manual handling where practicable • Assessment of remaining manual handling risks • Reduce manual handling risks • Information and training Employer’s Responsibilities

8. Manual Handling Operations Regulations • Take care for self and others • Follow instructions and procedures as given Employee’s Responsibilities

9. Avoiding Manual Handling • Is manual handling necessary? • Could the desired result be achieved another way? • Can the operations be mechanised or automated? • Fork lift trucks • Cranes • Trolleys and pallet trucks • Vacuum lifters

10. Assessing the risk Once a risk has been identified, it must be assessed by a “competent person” (a person who knows about the task, regulations, loads to be handled and the working environment). It is helpful to use a checklist during assessments. An assessment is not an end in itself, merely a structured way of analysing risk and pointing the way to practical solutions.

11. Assessing the risk The following should be considered in deciding whether an activity presents a risk • Is excessive force required? • Are there complaints of aches and pains from workers? • Does the work require awkward postures such as stooping or stretching? • Are there any reports of accidents or injuries associated with manual handling? • Does the work activity involve repetitive movement?

12. Main risk factors associated with manual handling activities • The task – twisting, stooping, strenuous pushing and pulling • The load – excessive weight, unusual size, awkward shape, instability • Work environment - constraints on posture, poor floor surfaces, hot, cold or humid conditions • Individual capabilities – health problems, the effects of protective equipment and clothing, pregnancy

13. Controlling Risks: The Task • Improve task layouts • More efficient use of the body • Improve the work routine • Team handling • Use of machinery/plant and handling aids • Use of personal protective equipment

14. Controlling Risks: The Load • Make it lighter • Make it smaller • Make it easier to grasp • Make it more stable • Make it less damaging to hold

15. Controlling Risks: The Working Environment • Remove space constraints • Improve floor condition • Keep to one level • Improve the environmental conditions • Good housekeeping

16. Controlling Risks: The Individual • Personal considerations • Information and training • Good handling techniques • Abdominal and back supports belts (PPE)

17. Controlling Risks: Automation & Mechanical Aids • Use mechanical aids and assistance • Conveyors • Electrical and hydraulic hoist • Cranes and vacuum lifters • Fork lift, pallet trucks and stackers

18. High -risk handling tasks and processes - examples • Manual loading and feed of board products on machines • handling large jigs • tool changing • handling large, heavy or cumbersome products and workpieces • use of hand-held tools

19. Good manual handling technique • Stop and think • Position the feet • Adopt a good posture • Get a firm grip • Keep close to the load • Don’t jerk • Move the feet • Put down, then adjust

21. Band saw blade transit board Checking machine for correct working height Vacuum workbench

22. Lifting hook Panel trolley

23. Product inspection Vacuum-handling device Inertial balance system

24. Manual Handling Training Training is important and a legal requirement but remember that, on its own, it can’t overcome: • A lack of mechanical aids • Unsuitable loads • Bad working conditions TRAINING SHOULD INCLUDE: • How to recognise harmful manual handling • Appropriate systems of work • Use of mechanical aids • Good handling techniques • Responsibilities

25. How to follow the Manual Handling Operations Regulations

26. Summary • Avoid manual handling as far as is reasonably practicable • Carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments • Reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable • Provide details on the weight characteristics • Review assessments • Provide suitable and sufficient training

27. Sources of Information • The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 • Manual Handling: Guidance on the Regulations • Manual handling assessment charts (the MAC tool) • Manual Handling Solutions in woodworking INDG318(rev) • Manual handling at work - a brief guide INDG143(rev3) • Safe Stacking and handling of timber and board WIS 2 (Rev) • 7. BWF Guide to Health & Safety in the Woodworking Industry • BWF Publications www.bwf.org.uk/publications • HSE Web site – www.hse.gov.uk