Risk factors associated with pushing and pulling loads

There are a number of risk factors associated with pushing and pulling of loads. To make it easy to remember, it can be broken down to TILE, which stands for Task, Individual, Load and Environment. The following are some risk factors within these categories that could contribute to a pushing and pulling related injury. You should consider these risk factors when carrying out your risk assessments.

Task

• Steep slopes and rough surfaces can increase the amount of force required to push/pull a load.
• The risk also increases over longer distances and when the frequency of pushing/pulling does not provide sufficient rest/recovery time.
• Obstacles can create risks by the worker trying to avoid collision.
• Large amounts of effort to starting or stop the load moving or even to keep it moving.
• Repetitive pushing and pulling.
• Position of the hands is comfortable for the worker. The hands are best positioned between the waist and shoulder height.

Individual

• Workers may have different characteristics and capabilities. For example, a tall worker may have to adopt an awkward posture to push a trolley with low handles, while a shorter worker may have difficulty seeing over the load.
• Individual concerns such as pregnancy may temporarily reduce the amount of force a worker can safely handle.
• The task may require unusual capability, if this is so think about how and who should carry out the task.
• Specialised training or instruction maybe needed.
• This task may pose a risk on those with a physical or mental disability.

Load

• Consider the weight of the load and the weight of the equipment being used by the worker.
• Ensure the load is not excessive and that it is sufficiently stable for negotiating and slopes, corners or rough surfaces that may be encountered.
• Plan the route and ensure the worker can safely see over the load.
• Check if the load and wheeled equipment isn't too bulky for the route.

Environment

• Environmental factors such as temperature, lighting and air currents can increase the risk of pushing/pulling.
• Hot and humid environments (like a bakery) can lead to the early onset of fatigue.
• Strong air movements can increase pushing forces and reduce the stability of the load.
• Very cold environments can also increase the risk.
• Environments where there is poor or bright lighting can affect the worker's judgement.
• Floor surfaces that are clean and dry can help reduce the force needed to move a load.
• Constraints on posture may cause problems for the worker, which could affect the task and injure the worker.
• Confined spaces and narrow passages/doorways could provoke a tripping/trapping/abrasions injury.

In addition to the above there are other factors, which should also be considered:

Equipment

• Ensure that the correct equipment is provided for the task and it is fit for purpose.
• There should be a maintenance programme and a well promoted fault reporting system.
• Ensure that the wheels suit the flooring and environment i.e. are the wheels on the device suited to a hot environment or carpets.
• Handle height in relation to the different users can be a risk factor for their posture, they may find it uncomfortable and/or unable to apply a suitable grip.
• Lack of good handles can increase the amount of undue effort needed to move the load.
• If the equipment is without brakes it could be difficult to stop. If it has brakes but the brakes are poor/ineffective this could also make it difficult to stop.
• Is posture hindered by Personal Protective Equipment, if so is it really needed or can the task be done in a different way?

Work organisation and psychosocial factors

• This effects the workers psychological reaction to work and the environment, such factors as high workload demands, short deadlines and lack of control and working methods.
• Poor communication with managers and employees can lead to an unhappy workforce and this could have an effect on the production.
• Organisation ‘change' can have an effect on the workforce, this could effect their motivation if no mechanisms are in place to prevent this.
  • More information on psychosocial issues