Page 19 - STS Safety Book
P. 19
MANUAL HANDLING
Manual handling injuries are part of a wider group of musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs). The term ‘musculoskeletal disorders’ includes injuries and conditions that can
cause pain to the back, joints and limbs.
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Manual handling accounts for over 1/3 of all workplace injuries and can last for years.
What can you do to prevent manual handling injuries?
AVOIDANCE
Where possible avoid manual handling tasks by changing the system of work.
MECHANICAL AIDS
Use mechanical aids such as pellet trucks, sack trucks, trolleys etc. Please refer to
HSE guidance.
TEAM LIFTING
Where manual handling cannot be avoided you should be trained how to lift correctly to
prevent injury. Where possible use team lifting, but use mechanical lifting aids where
possible.
PLAN THE TASK
Consider manual handling when planning your task as detailed above, follow the
guidance on the SPA template and see the Safe Manual Handling video BY CLICK IN
THE MAIN PICTURE ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE.
