ML : Manual Handling Techniques & Preventive Measures to Avoid Accidents

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Chapter : Manual Material Lifting

Manual Handling Techniques & Preventive Measures to Avoid Accidents  

Material handling injuries are not limited to any specific locations or jobs.Improper ways of manual lifting may cause Strains, sprains, bruises, cuts, back pain, slip disc or painful hernia as it subjects the muscles of human body to varying degrees of stress and also there is a sharp increase in the pressure exerted on inter-vertebral disc of the spinal column.

They are caused primarily by unsafe work practices, not unsafe conditions. People will lift improperly, carry too heavy loads, incorrect gripping, failure to observe proper foot or hand clearance, and fail to wear proper PPE. Most of such injuries occur to fingers, hands and Back bone.

The following few general points may help prevent such accidents i.e Cut,Pinch while handling smaller materails.

• Inspect materials for slivers, jagged edges and burns, rough or slippery surfaces.
• Wear proper PPE.
• Get a firm grip on the object.
• Keep fingers away from pinch points, especially when setting down materials.
• When handling long objects like pipes, keep hands away from ends.
• Wipe off greasy, wet, slippery or dirty objects before trying to handle them.
• Keep hands free of grease and oil.
• Wear safety shoes to prevent foot injuries in case you drop something.
• Get help if the load is heavier than half of your own weight.
• Use mechanical devices for lifting heavy loads.

The following six steps give proper method of manual lifting. The principles explained in these six steps apply equally to office or factory floor employees and to lifts involving light or heavy, large or small loads:

Step 1:- Position the Feet.

Place your feet body- width apart with one foot along side of the object and other slightly behind.

This position gives you good balance and wide enough base to perform the lift. The rear foot is in position for the up-ward thrust of the lift.

Step 2:- Straight back and bend knees.

Bend your knees and use the sit down position. Keep the back straight ("straight" does not mean vertical) Tighten your stomach muscles to help support your back. A straight back keeps the spine, back muscles and organ of the body in correct alignment.It minimizes the compression of the guts that can cause hernia.

Step 3:- Load close to the body.

Keep the load close to the body. Tuck your arm and elbows into the side of body. If you hold your arm away from the body they lose much of their strength and power. Keeping the arm tucked in helps keep body weight centered. Do not flex the elbows and raise the shoulders as this imposes unnecessary strain on the upper arm and chest muscles.

Steps 4:- Correct Grasp.

Get a "good hold" on the object. This means grasping with the roots of your finger, not just the tips, and ensuring contact between the object and the palm.

The fingers and the hand should be extended around the object you are going to lift. Use the full palm, finger alone have very little power.

Step 5:- Tuck Your Chin In.

Tuck in the chin so your neck and head continue the straight back line and keep your spine straight and firm. Avoid bending your head down, Up, forward, back, side ways or in twisted position.

This chin-in action should be introduced immediately before lifting and maintained through the procedure.

Step 6:- Keep Body Weight Directly Over Feet & Lift With Legs.

Position body so that its weight is centered over the feet and lift by straightening the legs. 

In general: - Be aware of your working circumstances, use your judgment and act safely. Look before you leap, check before you start