What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling can be described as the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object. Manual handling is a common cause of workplace injuries and can lead to muscular strains, sprains, fractures and other injuries. When manual handling is required in the workplace, the physical capabilities of each individual need to be considered, before attempting a manual handling task.
What is a Hazardous Manual Task?
A hazardous manual can be described as a task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing that involves one or more of the following:
- Repetitive or sustained force.
- High or sudden force.
- Repetitive movement.
- Sustained or awkward posture.
- Exposure to vibration.
What is Safe Manual Handling?
Safe manual handling refers to the correct way of lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying and lifting an object to avoid injury to yourself or the person you are helping. There are many ways to conduct safe manual handling tasks. Information on safe manual handling is extensive and covers a wide range of topics, however, generally, this information will focus on four key areas:
- Assessing the weight, shape and size of the load that is to be moved.
- The ability of the person(s) conducting the manual handling task.
- The importance of correct posture when conducting a manual handling task.
- The work environment where the manual handling task is being conducted.
Many workers are required to perform manual handling tasks as part of their job, and the risks associated with manual handling should be well documented and workers should be trained in safe manual handling procedures to avoid work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Note: the best time to eliminate or minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders is in the design and planning stage. This is when hazards and risks can be ‘designed out’ before they are introduced into a workplace.
How Does a Manual Handling Checklist Work?
A manual handling checklist is an assessment tool that can be used to evaluate if a manual handling task has an unacceptable risk. It can be used to check if an individual conducting a manual handling task is aware of all the potential risks and if risk management principles need to be applied to the tasks or not.
Contents of this Manual Handling Checklist
This manual handling checklist has prompts for various aspects of manual handling tasks, inclusive of:
- What does the task involve. (e.g. how heavy, how often and for how long).
- Lifting, pushing or pulling.
- Carrying reaching, twisting, repetition.
- Sitting or standing.
- Are the objects large or an awkward shape.
- Are loads live or hard to grasp.
- Are there busy periods where staff have difficulty keeping up with demands.
- Is the equipment used for manual handling regularly maintained.
- Is there adequate workspace to allow ease of movement.
- Are floors slippery or uneven.
- Is the work area cluttered.
- Does clothing restrict movement.
- Are there workers under 18 years old performing strenuous work or repetitive tasks or lifting objects weighing more than 15kg.
- Are there personnel with special needs (e.g., pregnant).
Why Choose to Buy this Manual Handling Checklist
This 2-page manual handling checklist can assist you to identify hazardous manual tasks, assess the risk factors and determine appropriate control measures.
After purchasing this template you will be able to:
- Very easily edit and customize the template to create your own manual handling checklist.
- Apply your own style, format and brand to the checklist.
- Use it in any industry or sector regardless of size or type of organization.
Availability and Use of this Manual Handling Checklist
- This manual handling checklist template is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button.
- The checklist will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.
