mar 2001joe mcnicholas1 manual handling mar 2001joe mcnicholas2 course content introduction...

Mar 2001Joe McNicholas 1

MANUAL HANDLING

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Course Content

Introduction

Statistics

Law

Anatomy & Injuries

Biomechanics

Principles of Safe Handling

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What is Manual Handling?

“Any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting,

putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily

force.”

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Anybody hurt?

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Accident StatisticsAccident Statistics

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Machine Man Handle Slips/ falls Other Struck by

Y our Co.

National

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Criminal

Concerns Offences against the state.

Purpose of the action

To preserve order in the community by punishment and deterrent.

Burden of proof.

The prosecutor must prove his case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Sanctions Imprisonment, Fine, probation, community service.

Civil

Disputes between private individuals.

To remedy the wrong which has been suffered.

Balance of probabilities.

Damages (compensation).

2 Systems of Law

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Anatomy & Injuries

Spine - 3 main functions.

To protect the spinal cord

To allow movement.

To support the upper body.

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Anatomy & Injuries.

Vertebrae Disc

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Anatomy & Injuries.

Ligaments

Muscles & tendons

Nerves

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Types of Injury.

Cumulative

Sudden

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Injury Causation Process.

Restricted movement & muscle spasm

Soft tissue shorten

Injury

Pain & inflammation

Soft tissue overload

Excessive loads

Awkward posturesRepetitive tasks

Static postures

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Anatomy & Injuries.

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Causes of Injury.

Excessive weights

Awkward postures

o Static Muscle work.

o Repetition of tasks.

o Degeneration of discs.

o Ballistic movements.

o Individual concerns.

o Duration of task.

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Biomechanics.Centre of Gravity.

Centre of gravity

Line of gravity

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Biomechanics.Levers.

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Biomechanics.Base of Support.

1

1

1

1

8

8

1

1

1

1

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Biomechanics.

Asymmetry Lopsided

Ballistic movements Speed

Force and resistance to movement Shopping trolley

Human movement Normal is not always safe

End range joint movement Squatting

Static muscle work Holding a pint glass

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Principles of Safe Handling.

If Manual Handling Operations cannot be avoided then apply the principles of safe handling:

AssessPlan

PreparePerform

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Assess: Load

Weight Shape Size Handles Packaging Stability Contents

Principles of Safe Handling.

Assess: Task

Posture Frequency Duration Intensity Pacing Team Handling Rewards

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Assess: Individual

Strength Height Pregnancy Health Training Experience Gender Age

Principles of Safe Handling.

Assess: Environment

Space constraints Floor condition and levels Temperature Humidity Ventilation Lighting Noise Housekeeping

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Plan: Route.

Consider start and end points.

Are there doors or steps on the route?

Any obstructions to be cleared?

Are there vehicles or other persons to be aware of?

Principles of Safe Handling.

Plan: Task

Consider the most appropriate postures.

Is there mechanical equipment available?

Is there anybody that can help?

Is PPE being worn correctly?

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Prepare: Yourself.

Get a good grip of the load. Use PPE when necessary.

Principles of Safe Handling.Prepare: Load

Can the load be split? Make the load stable. Pack shifting contents

tightly. Evenly distribute contents. Keep the centre of gravity

of the load close to you. Cover sharp abrasive

edges.

Prepare: Area

Clear area of obstacles. Warn people. Check destination. Ensure good lighting. Check housekeeping.

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Principles of Safe Handling.

Perform: Apply principles of biomechanics to reduce the loading on

the spine Keep a wide base of support. Maintain the lumbar curve (low back) as much as possible. Brace yourself Get a good grip. Position feet in direction of travel. Use smooth controlled movements. Use friction to minimise force. Try to avoid twisting and stooping. Use team lifting where appropriate.

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Conclusions.