Manual Handling Toolbox Talk

Reason: In 2019/20, 42,000 people which is 62% of all injuries in construction were caused by manual handling. This is the 2nd highest of all industries.

Why: Poor manual handling technique can lead to serious injury
Outline: This talk covers; considerations and good techniques for manual handling

Considerations When Manual Handling

1. Ensure that materials are handled as far as possible by mechanical aids e.g. forklifts, pallet trucks or trolleys
2. Don’t try and lift something you know that is too heavy – know your limitations. There is no limit to what you can lift although guidance is 25kg for men and 16kg for women at waist height
3. If you don’t think you can handle the load yourself, ask for assistance. Forget the bravado
4. Ensure lighting is suitable and not causing glare and there is a clear path to your destination
5. Some loads are irregular shape, ensure you can hold it safely, if not ask for assistance
6. Use suitable gloves as required for the handling of materials that could cause injuries to the hands
7. Employee’s should always wear of safety footwear to protect from falling loads
8. Test the load before you lift it by rocking it back and forward, or, lift it a small amount
9. Make provisions for employees who are especially at risk e.g. illness, history of back trouble, pregnant women

Good Handling Techniques

1. Handle loads as close to the body as possible, holding loads at arms length imposes about 5 times the stress compared with holding the same load close to the body

2. Avoid placing body weight forward onto toes with heels off the ground, or placing feet to close together, keep feet shoulder width apart

3. Bend knees so that hands when grasping load are about level with waist, and keep your back relaxed (not straight)

4. Get a good grip of the load, using all of your fingers and palms, not just finger tips

5. Keep load close to the body

6. Ensure the load does not obscure your vision and you can see your path is clear

7. Lift smoothly without jerking action, and walk in a controlled manner

8. Avoid twisting the trunk while lifting and putting down. Don't throw the load down

9. The putting down is the same as the steps in picking up, do not rush

10. When two people are completing the task – always be sure one person co-ordinates the load and have two people lifting who are roughly the same size and ability

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The above named persons attended a toolbox talk on the above subject