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MANUAL HANDLING

AHCOHS201A

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OHS&W RegulationsDivision 2.9Code of Practice

Manual Handling

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Main Objectives Effective from January 1991

To prevent the occurrence of INJURY and to REDUCE the severity of injuries resulting from manual handling tasks in the workplace

Manual Handling Regulations

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An activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to: ◦ Lift or Lower◦ Push or Pull◦ Carry ◦ Otherwise move ◦ Hold or restrain

A person, animal or thing

Manual Handling

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TO REDUCE :◦ Pain and Suffering◦ Injury Costs◦ Medical Costs◦ Lost Worker Hours◦ Worker Replacement

Reasons for Implementation

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TO REDUCE :◦ Work cover Levy◦ Damaged Equipment◦ Investigation Costs◦ Lost Productivity

Reasons for Implementation

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Impact of Forces on the SpinePerson weighting 85kgs

Posture Compressive Load on the Spine (kg)

Standing 50kgs

Bending down with out bending legs

200 – 300kgs

Bending down with out bending legs

to pick up 10kgs

350 – 600kgs

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Everyone working in all industries

High Risk Occupations◦ Construction◦ Product assemblers◦ Process workers◦ Office workers – data entry

Who is at Risk

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Long term Pain and Suffering The Stigma associated with back and

other injuries which cannot be seen Emotional Distress to the individual Loss of Morale of fellow workers Tension within families and

relationships

The Human Costs

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Direct Cost◦ Compensation◦ Wages◦ Medical

The Financial Costs

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Many hidden financial costsIndirect Cost

◦ Production losses◦ Retraining staff ◦ Training new staff◦ Fine◦ Increased work cover levy

The Financial Costs

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Require employers to :◦ Identify Risks◦ Assess the Risk◦ Control Risks◦ Monitor and Review

Arising from Manual Handling tasks

Manual Handling Regulations

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A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause injury or illness

Can be present or potential danger May or may not be visible - emerging

Hazard

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Anything that has the potential to cause injury or illness

Hazard

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Methods being used to perform a task Machines in use Substances in use - package size Storage and transport Workplace practices and procedures Repetitive use of muscles Static loads

Manual Handling Hazards

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The probability or likelihood of the hazard resulting in an injury, illness or disease

The likelihood of sustaining and injury or illness because of the exposure to the hazard

Risks

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The likelihood or the chance that the hazard will result in injury

Risk

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Hazard Risk Outcome

Heavy Object Lifting heavy objects Sprains / stains Sharp Surface Handling sharp object Cuts / abrasions Small forces Pruning for long period Inflammation of

jointsrapid and continuously

Bending Excessive Bending Sprains and strains Twisting Excessive Twisting Sprains and strains Vibration Holding Pneumatic Drill Loss of Feeling

Understanding Hazard and Risk

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Minimum Effort is required to do the task

Low Risk

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Recommended Weight:◦ 16kgs – 20kgs

Depends upon the physical capabilities of the individual

Manual Handling Limits

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Leverage effects the load on the body

Leverage

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Undue stress on the back and spine

High Risk

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Extreme range movements Twisting while lifting Bending the spine Jerky, uncontrolled movements Jumping from heights

Unsafe Manual Handling Techniques

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Results in discomfort or persistent pain:◦ tendons◦ muscles◦ soft tissue

Occupational Overuse Syndrome ( OOS ) or ( RSI )

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Usually caused and / or aggravated by work Repetitive movement over extended periods Static muscular load

Occupational Overuse Syndrome ( OOS ) or ( RSI )

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Contributing Factors:◦ Poor work station design◦ Badly designed equipment◦ Poorly designed tools◦ Poorly maintained tools◦ Lack of training◦ Lack of Administrative control measures

Occupational Overuse Syndrome ( OOS ) or ( RSI )

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Risk Identification Risk Assessment Risk Control Review and Evaluate

3 Stage Approach

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Analysis of workplace injury records Consultation with employees Direct Observation

◦ use a checklist as per Code - p 10 -12◦ conduct site inspections◦ inspect new equipment◦ analyze new systems

Risk Identification

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Risk Rating - How bad is the risk Consequences - catastrophic to negligible Probability - frequent to improbable Severity - extremely serious to low Priority - urgent to none Risk Assessment Sheet - p 13 - 20

Risk Assessment

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Risk Assessment

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What can be changed to make improvements

Risk Control

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Elimination Substitution Engineering Controls Administrative Controls Personal Protective Equipment Monitor and Evaluate

Hierarchy of Control

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Elimination completely removes the hazard or risk of exposure to the hazard

Eliminate the hazard or risk

Elimination

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Substitution involves replace a hazardous substance, machinery or work process with a less hazardous one

Substitute the hazard or risk

Substitution

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Engineering controls may involve isolation,guards, shields or modification to design

Engineer out the problem

Engineering Control

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Administration controls involve introducing work practices and procedures

job rotation, regular breaks , signs Introduce administrative control

Administrative Controls

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PPE is a last resort measure to risk control PPE may include glasses, gloves, hats ear

protection Provide personal protective equipment

Personal Protective Equipment

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Are the changes effective Have any new hazards be introduced Is there a need to make changes Continuos improvement

Monitor and Evaluate

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Plan - Assess - Think Maintain the “ S “ curve in the back Maintain Balance

◦ A solid stance that avoids discomfort Keep the Load Close to the Body

Safe Manual Handling Techniques

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Comfortable work position

Improve the Work Station

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Comfortable and more Relaxed

Change in Work Practice

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Less strain on the back

Redesigned Work Bench

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What changes can you make to improve manual handling

What changes will you make to improve manual handling

Continuous Improvement