Welcome to the safety newsletter. The idea of these news letters are to raise safety awareness and to get you involved. This month’s topic is Manual Handling. Manual Handling injuries are common, however these injuries can easily be prevented.
Reasons for Back Pain
Back Pain does not always happen due to a one off strain. It can be the result of awkward or abnormal posture; stressful movements and forces; environmental factors such as heat, cold and vibration; declining physical fitness and age
Back Structure
The spine is not perfectly straight its curved shape is designed to support the back structure. The key to proper lifting is to keep the 3 curves of your back in their natural position. When the back is moved out of shape then additional pressure and stress is placed on its component parts.
What are the legal requirements?
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 requires employers to avoid the need for employees to undertake manual handling which involves a risk of being injured. Where employers cannot avoid the need for manual handling which involve a risk of injury, they shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment.
Assessment and Risk Control
Before doing any lifting you need to do an assessment. Think: am I capable of doing this task? It helps to understand the T.I.L.E principles. These are: Task, Individual, Load, and Environment.
Task: does it involve twisting, stooping, reaching upwards. All of which put stress on your back. Individual: does it require unusual capabilities? Is it hazardous to those with a health problem? Load: is what you’re lifting heavy, bulky, unwieldy, difficult to grasp, unstable or unpredictable? Environment: are there constraints in posture, variations in levels, obstructions?
Ask yourself: do I have to lift it? Can I get a mechanical aid to help with the lift?
Correct Lifting
When lifting is required, six standard steps can be applied:
1.Assess the muscular effort required. Make sure the place where the load is to be put down is clear of obstructions. Remember T.I.L.E?
2.Stand close to the load with feet apart so that you have a balance stable base for lifting.
3.Don’t bend your back. Bend at the knees and keep your back as straight as possible.
4.Get a firm grip and move the load close to your body.
5.Do not jerk the load – lift it smoothly.
6.Always keep your arms and the load close to your body and when turning, use your feet rather than twisting.
Exercise
The key to looking after your back is good health. Try to get plenty of exercise when you are not at work. By keeping in good shape and leading a healthy lifestyle you will be doing your back a big favour. Where possible before attempting to lift you should warm up and gently stretch your muscles.
Look after your back it is the only one you've got!!
Kevin Jones
www.safetyadviser.co.uk
For more information on manual handling go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm
Back Pain does not always happen due to a one off strain. It can be the result of awkward or abnormal posture; stressful movements and forces; environmental factors such as heat, cold and vibration; declining physical fitness and age
Back Structure
The spine is not perfectly straight its curved shape is designed to support the back structure. The key to proper lifting is to keep the 3 curves of your back in their natural position. When the back is moved out of shape then additional pressure and stress is placed on its component parts.
What are the legal requirements?
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 requires employers to avoid the need for employees to undertake manual handling which involves a risk of being injured. Where employers cannot avoid the need for manual handling which involve a risk of injury, they shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment.
Assessment and Risk Control
Before doing any lifting you need to do an assessment. Think: am I capable of doing this task? It helps to understand the T.I.L.E principles. These are: Task, Individual, Load, and Environment.
Task: does it involve twisting, stooping, reaching upwards. All of which put stress on your back. Individual: does it require unusual capabilities? Is it hazardous to those with a health problem? Load: is what you’re lifting heavy, bulky, unwieldy, difficult to grasp, unstable or unpredictable? Environment: are there constraints in posture, variations in levels, obstructions?
Ask yourself: do I have to lift it? Can I get a mechanical aid to help with the lift?
Correct Lifting
When lifting is required, six standard steps can be applied:
1.Assess the muscular effort required. Make sure the place where the load is to be put down is clear of obstructions. Remember T.I.L.E?
2.Stand close to the load with feet apart so that you have a balance stable base for lifting.
3.Don’t bend your back. Bend at the knees and keep your back as straight as possible.
4.Get a firm grip and move the load close to your body.
5.Do not jerk the load – lift it smoothly.
6.Always keep your arms and the load close to your body and when turning, use your feet rather than twisting.
Exercise
The key to looking after your back is good health. Try to get plenty of exercise when you are not at work. By keeping in good shape and leading a healthy lifestyle you will be doing your back a big favour. Where possible before attempting to lift you should warm up and gently stretch your muscles.
Look after your back it is the only one you've got!!
Kevin Jones
www.safetyadviser.co.uk
For more information on manual handling go to http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/index.htm
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