5.8 Manual Handling
Dated:
July,
2004
SOURCED: Queensland Department of Industrial
Relations, Manual Handling Guidelines
Workplace,
Health & Safety Act 1995,
__________________________________________________________________________
POLICY:
The Workplace Health & Safety Regulations define manual
handling as “any activity requiring the use of force executed by a person to
lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate
or inanimate object”.
The policy will require that carers and members of the
coordination unit will not lift loads over the range of 16 – 20 kilograms. Should a carer or a member of the
coordination team be required to lift in excess of this weight range team lifts
or mechanical assistance will be sought.
PROCEDURE:
In the area of manual handling all human movement should be
rhythmical and jerky movements should be avoided. If a duty has been assessed
by a carer or a member of the coordination unit then it is necessary to
control such risk through job redesign or activity. In other words, we need to find alternate
ways to achieve the same result.
The manual handling of objects or persons accounts for a
large number of industrial accidents and can result in permanent or temporary
injury. Injuries can
be reduced by the use of kinetic methods in our lifting, moving and
handling techniques. Kinetics is the
science of movement and the action and reaction of forces imposed on matter.
Carers are advised to be careful
about bending over and picking up a child.
It is preferable that a carer either kneels down to the child’s level or
sits down and encourages the child to climb onto the carer’s lap.
In the area of manual handling always think and plan ahead by
using assistance to carry loads and adjusting your work to minimize
bending. When vacuuming or sweeping do
small amounts at a time, avoid forward leaning by bending your knees and
consider using an upright vacuum cleaning rather than a barrel vacuum cleaner.
When engaged in any lifting:
·
avoid jarring and twisting movements when beginning
lift
·
try to push objects rather than pulling them
·
use as less time as possible
·
try to maintain an upright posture and use your legs
rather than your back
·
try to break down jobs into smaller lots
In summarizing there are
Three Key
Points for SAFE LIFTING:
1
THINK AND PLAN AHEAD
2
KEEP THE LOAD CLOSE
3
MAINTAIN GOOD SPINAL ALIGNMENT
GUIDELINES:
|
Plan ahead what you want to do and don't be in a
hurry. Position yourself close to the object you want to lift. Separate your
feet shoulder-width apart to give yourself a solid base of support. Bend at
the knees. Tighten your stomach muscles. Lift with your leg muscles as you
stand up. Don't try to lift by yourself an object that is too heavy or an
awkward shape. Get help. |
|
To lift a very light object from the floor, such
as a piece of paper, lean over the object, slightly bend one knee and extend
the other leg behind you. Hold on to a nearby chair or table for support as
you reach down to the object. |
|
Whether you're lifting a heavy laundry basket or
a heavy box in your garage, remember to get close to the object, bend at the
knees and lift with your leg muscles. Do not bend at your waist. When lifting
luggage, stand along side of the luggage, bend at your knees, grasp the
handle and straighten up. |
|
While you are holding the object, keep your
knees slightly bent to maintain your balance. If you have to move the object
to one side, avoid twisting your body. Point your toes in the direction you
want to move and pivot in that direction. Keep the object close to you when
moving. |
|
When sitting, keep
your back in a normal, slightly arched position. Make sure your chair
supports your lower back. Keep your head and shoulders erect. Make sure your
working surface is at the proper height so you don't have to lean forward. |
|
Once an hour, if possible, stand and stretch.
Place your hands on your lower back and gently arch backward. |