One third of all accidents at work involve manual handling.
That amounts to around 70,000 (seventy thousand) lost time accidents each year, or 50,000,000
(fifty million) lost working days.
The problem is widespread across all areas of work.
Back injuries can be extremely painful and long lasting.
Reducing the Risk
If mechanical aids are provided, use them.
Heavy, awkward or frequently handled loads should be stored at waist height.
Ask for protective clothing if you need it.
Make sure your route is clear and remove obstacles such as discarded wrapping materials.
Tell your supervisor if you have a history of back trouble or other health problems which
could affect your manual handling capability.
Your Back
The most serious back injuries develop slowly over time rather than being caused by a single incident.
Damage to an inter-vertebral disc is a serious injury because there is no known cure and the pain can be
severe.
The discs can cope with considerable loads, so long as the back is held naturally erect when lifting and
the load is held close to the body.
Most back injuries occur in the neck and lower back (or lumbar) region of the spine.
Technique
If the load is unfamiliar to you, test its weight and centre of gravity. Make sure the heaviest end is closest to your body.
Stand with your feet apart, one foot slightly in front of the other and close to the load.
Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Lift smoothly, without twisting.
If you aren't facing the right way, use your feet to turn. Keep the load close to your body.
When setting down the load, bend your knees and keep your back straight. Don't worry about position until you've put it down,
then slide it into place.
Team Lifting
If you need to organise a team lift, work with someone of a similar build and height if possible.
Check the weight of the object.
Decide who will take control. This person should issue clear instructions during the lift.
Lift and set down together. The leader should issue a command such as `Lift on 3 - one .. two .. three'.
If you experience difficulty, tell your partner and set down the load. Continue only when you feel ready.
Pushing and Pulling
The risk of injury may be reduced by pushing, pulling or rolling the load.
Make sure the load remains under control at all times.
Keep your back straight and use the strong leg muscles to do the work.
Hands should be placed between waist and shoulder height.
Use your body weight to apply the necessary force and avoid twisting your back.