Two of our Trainers are busy today delivering bespoke Manual Handling training to the staff at one of our Manufacturing sites in Staffordshire. A practical session focussing on the different tasks throughout their workplace will also take place.

Manual Handling is a task we encounter every day – whether it is lifting a pack of A4 paper, to lifting a bag of flour.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 accidents at work are caused by Manual Handling. Many of these incidents cause damage to the back. It is vital that correct manual handling technique is carried out to prevent such manual handling injuries. Manual Handling injuries can range from short term injuries to much longer term injuries. Manual Handling injuries typically tend to be longer term more chronic injuries whereby continuous incorrect lifting over a period time can lead to back problems in the future. The HSE will always have Manual Handling on their agenda so being proactive is beneficial.

It is not always easy to eliminate Manual Handling from the workplace, but it is good to put quality training in place to help reduce injury.
Reducing the risk of injury can be carried out by changing a few things in the workplace, such as: making the load smaller and lighter and easier to grasp, rotating staff to allow for breaks in lifting, workspaces being modified in order to pick up a load from a comfortable level, as opposed to ground level.

Correct Manual Handling technique is vital for your employees to learn and use everyday. Here are some tips on how to lift correctly:

1. Think before handling/ lifting
2. Keep the load close to your waist
3. Adopt a stable position
4. Ensure a good hold on the load
5. Slight bending of your back, hips and knees
6. Don’t flex your back and further while lifting
7. Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways
8. Keep your head up when handling
9. Move smoothly
10. Don’t lift or handle more than you can easily manage
11. Put down, then adjust
    (Ref. HSE website)

Manual Handling is a risk we help our clients with on a frequent basis.

If you have a production line which doesn’t mitigate manual handling risk, could a roller conveyor be implemented?

Could a sack truck be implemented in a process where multiple heavy goods are needing to be taken from one area to another?

Or could simple, quality manual handling be trained out to your staff?

For more support or guidance regarding Manual Handling, or to arrange training for your team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.