2.9 Manual Handling |
Contents
1. Weight
- Is more than 5 kg involved and handled from a seating position?
- Is more than 16 kg involved and handled in a working posture other than seated?
- Are weights of more than 55 kg carried? Note that few people should be allowed to carry that weight.
2. Forces
- Are large pushing and/or pulling forces involved? E.g. pushing cars.
- Is the load difficult to handle because of its shape and size? E.g. furniture.
- Is it difficult or unsafe to get an adequate grip?
3. During Manual Handling
- Is there frequent or prolonged bending of the body?
- Is there frequent or prolonged reaching above the shoulders?
- Is there frequent or prolonged bending due to reaching forward?
- Is there frequent or prolonged twisting of the back?
- Is the task performed in a confined space?
- Is the lighting inadequate for safe manual handling?
- Is the climate particularly cold or hot?
- Is it windy?
- Is the floor working surface uneven, slippery or otherwise unsafe?
- Are awkward postures assumed often or over prolonged periods?
- Is the manual handling performed frequently or for long time periods?
- Are loads moved or carried over long distances?
- Is the employee new to the work or returning from an extended period away?
- Are there physical factors to be considered (i.e. height, body size, disabilities)?
- Does the uniform/personal protective equipment hamper manual handling performance?
- Is the employee trained in appropriate handling techniques?
End