Manual handling risk will always be seen in any environment where manual handling is observed, such as in places like the workplace. Manual handling risks can give rise to injuries if they are not being managed properly. However, control of Manual handling risk can be done in many ways. The following ways to control manual handling risk include the below.
1.Elimination.
Elimination of the manual handling is the key here. Through elimination, the workplace can engage in automation or mechanisation of some of their activities. The use of conveyor belt systems, forklift trucks, cranes, hoists, etc, can assist in the movement of loads from one location to another.
2.Assessment of the manual handling activities.
In this case, the load, environment, task and individual capabilities have to be assessed if the manual handling can’t be eliminated. Doing this assessment will ensure that the right person is being exposed to the manual handling activities and in the right environment. There are a lot of questions to ask during the assessment. Some of the questions to ask include.
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The Task.
- Is the task repetitive?
- How long is the distance of carrying the load?
- At what height is the load being picked?
- Does the task involve twisting?
- Does it involve carrying the load through a vertical distance?
Load.
- How bulky is the load?
- How stable is the load?
- How heavy is the load?
- Is there any difficulty in carrying the load?
- Does the load contain any hot, sharp or hazardous substance?
- Where is the location of the centre of gravity of the load?
- How large is the load?
Environment.
- What are the temperature and humidity of the area?
- What are the light levels like in the area?
- Does the floor have slippery surfaces or uneven surfaces?
- Are there any restrictions on the space available?
Individual capabilities.
- Does the activity require a special ability?
- Does the activity present a special risk to people? For example, vulnerable people.
3.Use of handling aids.
There are a lot of handling aids that should be used to manage manual handling activities. Though the handling aid does not completely remove the risk of the hazard it makes the manual handling much easier to be done. For example, a trolley does not eliminate the risk of pushing the load on it, but it reduces the need to carry it. Examples of manual handling aids include trolleys, trucks, joists, gin wheels, barrel lifts, lifts, etc.
4.Modification of the task, load and environment.
There is a need to modify the task, load and the environment. And these can be done by doing the below.
Task.
- Introduce breaks and rest to control repetitive movements
- Change the layout of the workplace to eliminate stooping and twisting.
- Use the table to lift a load instead of carrying the load from the floor level.
Load.
- Breaking of heavier loads into smaller units.
- Put handles on loads that are difficult to carry.
- Involve several workers in carrying large and bulky loads.
Environment.
- Ensure the floor is even by levelling it.
- Put more lighting in the workplace.
- Rearrange the work environment to allow for more space for manual handling activities.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
