Minimising manual handling injuries in the workplace
Over 25% of accidents in workplaces each year are caused by incorrect manual handling techniques. Transporting, supporting heavy loads by hand, for example.
Fractures or strains, especially of the back, are not uncommon and most of these injuries could have been avoided with the use of correct techniques.
Other ways of minimising accidents include to redesign or automate the task to cut down the amount of manual handling needed, thorough risk assessment of the task and as far as possible reduce the risk of injury when manual handling is unavoidable. The in-house Health and Safety officer should carry out the risk assessment since they are going to be more familiar with the work being carried out there.
For instance, a job involving the stacking of shelves, the H & S officer would need to consider factors such as:
• The height of the job and shelves or racking from the ground
• The surface upon which the access equipment will rest. For example, the shelves or a partition wall
• Whether the surface will be strong enough to take the weight of the equipment and the workers
• The condition of the ground upon which the access equipment will rest
• Lighting conditions in the work area
The job should then be carefully planned out. Heavier items should be stored lower down; other workers should be kept away from the area to avoid injuries from falling objects. Tools that will be used frequently should be kept close at hand and easily accessible. Frequent breaks, especially if working up a ladder, should be taken.
Tags: racking, shelves, shelving, storage racks