What do the following activities have in common: a nurse moving a patient, a postal worker carrying parcels or letters, a homemaker cleaning, a shopper pushing a cart or an individual exercising in a gym? The answer is manual handling–a task which is commonly performed in day-to-day operations associated with work and leisure.
In accordance to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 of the UK, manual handling is defined as the transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force. It usually involves lifting, lowering, carrying, moving, pushing or pulling and holding of loads.
These loads are often inanimate, such as objects, or animate, involving people and animals. However, the type of manual handling can vary in accordance to the specific activities being performed.
There are the possibilities of negative health effects associated with manual handling. The two most common groupings are musculoskeletal disorders and incidental injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common of these groupings.
It affects the musculoskeletal system of the body and is inclusive of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, blood vessels and nerves. Injuries to the lower back region resulting in pain and discomfort are the most common of these musculoskeletal disorders. On the other hand, incidental injuries, which are commonly caused by manual handling, include cuts, bruises and fractures.
The fundamental essentials of manual handling, which can be the precursor of these negative health effects, are as follows:
The load
Back injuries can significantly increase during lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling if the load is too heavy. In addition, uneven muscle loading and fatigue can occur if awkward, unstable or too large a load is handled. If the loads are difficult to reach, then a greater muscular force is required, as it may often involve the outstretching of the arms, bending or twisting of the trunk.
If sharp edges or dangerous materials are present within loads, then such should be handled with care as injuries can result in case of collisions. It is always therefore a good practice to keep the load as close to the body when lifting and carrying.
The environment
If the environment is not conducive to performing any manual handling activities, then the possibility of injuries occurring are significant. Physical conditions such as slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces can result in incidents and ultimately back injuries. If the working spaces are limited or cramped, then maneuvering of the body is required and this can affect both posture and balance. Climatic factors such as temperature extremes, humidity and ventilation can result in the onset of fatigue, thereby affecting the ability to handle loads. In addition, inadequate or poor lighting can severely impair visibility, thereby increasing the chances of trips, falls and bumping into objects during manual handling.
The task
The risk of back injuries can significantly increase if the task is too strenuous, demanding or involves repetitive handling. Other contributing factors to back injuries which can result from performing of a task may involve awkward positioning, overreaching, stretching or twisting.
The individual
Back injuries can also be linked to individual factors. One such factor is the age of the individual, coupled with the physical and mental state of well-being. Personal lifestyle can also increase the risk of injuries.
This can include smokers and those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol or illicit substances. Having a prior history of back injury can also increase one's susceptibility depending on the task. In addition, the probability of injuries can also increase from a lack of familiarisation, training and experience concerning manual handling.
Measures to aid reduction or elimination of negative effects from manual handling are:
Redesigning of the task or activity
Can manual handling be completely avoided or at least restricted? This is the first question to be asked in the redesigning of the task or activity. If it cannot be completely avoided, then automation or mechanisation through the use of lifting and transporting equipment can be used, such as barrows, trolleys and lift trucks. Special attention must however be paid such that new hazards are not created by using these automated or mechanised means.
Administrative measures
Administrative measures are the next best option if elimination of manual handling is not possible and the use of mechanical aids is not effective. This can include the splitting of loads into smaller ones, or using several people for heavy or frequent manual handling. In addition, frequent breaks should be taken during manual handling tasks or by alternating with other tasks so that the muscles will not become easily fatigued.
Information and training
If manual handling is performed on a daily basis, then it is important that all necessary information about the negative health effects are well communicated. In addition, training should be administered on the correct use of equipment, and most importantly, the correct manual handling techniques.
Manual handling can be a necessity to everyday living. However, there can be serious consequences and restrictions due to injuries. The ability to undertake work and leisure activities can be impaired, therefore, awareness and prevention are vital.
The Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety offers a wide range of training programmes to organisations and individuals in many areas of law enforcement, security supervision and management, and occupational safety and health. Contact us at 223-6999, email: info@caribbeansecurityinstitute.com or www.caribbeansecurityinstitute.com to strengthen your human resource skill set!