Better Backs 2007 Speakers Notes: Introduction to Manual Handling

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Slide 1

Introduce yourself here!

This presentation is part of the Better Backs pack and introduces the topic of manual handling assessment. There are other powerpoints in this pack covering use of the MAC assessment tool which is mentioned in this presentation.

Slide 2

We need to remember that manual handling includes this range of activities and not just lifting

Slide 3

In 1995 MSDs cost society and business £5.7 Billion. We do not know how much it costs now, but I think we can all rest assured it will be more, not less, than 11 years ago.

The proportion of reported MSDs affecting the back is roughly 40%, the upper limbs 40% and the lower limbs 20%.

The 17 days is a conservative estimate, and an estimate over a 12 month period only, damage to backs is often longer term. And let’s not just think about the money - what about the human cost?

These figures come from The Self-reported work-related illness (SWI) Survey 2005/06

Slide 4

Make sure you have a copy of L23 with this cover – the earlier version had a red box on the cover.

Slide 5

This is the hierarchy of measures under Regulation 4 of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)

Avoid - So far as is reasonably practical avoid hazardous manual handling

Assess - Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of tasks where avoidance of manual handling is not reasonably practicable. (Schedule 1 of the Regulations lists things that need to be included in an assessment) and

Reduce - take appropriate steps to reduce the risk risk to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable

Review - the assessment to keep it up to date - so this needs doing when the controls have been applied, also where there has been injury, illness or onset of disability

Slide 6

When tackling manual handling risk we need to consider several elements of the job being done. They can be grouped under the headings: task; individual; load and environment.

To make it easier to remember the elements it may help to refer to them as TILE. However the order of the letters in this mnemonic does, perhaps, introduce the role of the individual too early. Normally you should tackle the other factors before considering the role of the individual.

We will now look at each element in turn.

Slide 7

Task can be split down further to consider issues concerning layout, work routine and team handling

Slide 8

The task can involve some or all of these risk factors eg reaching in / holding away from the body stooping and twisting

Slide 9

These factors affect:

firstly - the physical demands placed on workers;

secondly mental demands - how they feel about their work/possible stress. These are called psychosocial factors and can have both a physical effect (eg by tensing your shoulders when stressed), and an attitudinal effect which can influence whether people suffer back pain.

Slide 10

Team handling does not enable the team to safely lift say for 2 persons twice the load that a single person might safely lift. There are issues concerning communication and synchronization of effort and of distribution of the load between. Are the team members of similar size / height? Sometimes a team member will let go of the load unexpectedly or might hurry the movement of another member who may for example be walking backwards.

(In spite of this there are situations where a team lift is a good solution where perhaps an overhead crane or other device cannot gain access.)

Slide 11

We have examined task risk factors now lets look at load

Slide 12

This metal post is heavy and unwieldy and wearing gloves makes it even more difficult to pick up and control.

Slide 13

Next we will look at factors associated with the environment where the handling is being done

Slide 14

This task is feeding material from a sack into a chute. The design of the chute and feed table prevent easy access to discharge the sack severely constraining posture.

There may be strong air movements from the process ventilation system

The operator is wearing gloves and a respirator. The gloves may reduce the ability to grip and the resistance caused by the respirator will make breathing during an arduous task more laboured.

(There may also be health issues here from the material being discharged and efficiency of the local exhaust ventilation system)

Slide 15

Finally we should consider the individual doing the task.

Slide 16

The characteristics of the people doing the work needs to be considered when looking at risk factors and also when selecting control measures. It changes how far we have to reach, stoop etc and should influence the design of workstations and control measures –they should be suitable for the people using them.

Slide 17

We have now covered the 4 types of risk factors

Slide 18

Using the technique of breaking down a task into these task elements make doing a risk assessment easier and ensures that all the factors are considered. Handling risk is not just about the load weight!

Slide 19

HSE publishes a range of guidance material on manual handling some of which is in the Better Backs Pack and available to download from the stakeholder pack CD. Other free leaflets relating to specific industries can be downloaded from the HSE website.

MAC tool - Manual handling assessment chart INDG 383

Assessment advice is contained in the priced booklet L23 Guidance on the Regulations. Manual handling operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) which includes the schedule of items to be included, example assessments for handling of loads and pushing and pulling

Getting to grips with manual handling - a short guide (INDG143) is reproduced in the stakeholder pack.

Are you making the best use of lifting and handling aids? INDG398 is partially reproduced in the stakeholder pack and is available as a pdf on the CD