Manual Handling
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Manual handling is not just about lifting heavy objects. It includes any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lower, push, pull, hold or restrain a person, animal or thing. |
Placing boxes and other items on shelves, painting, gardening, cleaning, writing and typing are some examples of manual handling tasks.
Manual handling injuries include:
strains and sprains;
neck and back injuries;
slips, falls and crush incidents;
cuts, bruises and broken bones;
hernia; and
occupational overuse syndrome (OOS), once known as RSI (repetitive strain injury).
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People who suffer from a manual handling injury at work may spend the rest of their lives coping with pain and be unable to do a lot of things other people can do. |
As a young worker you are more likely to be injured through manual handling work than an older worker. Your body is still developing and is less able to cope with strain.
You should be informed and trained in:
safe manual handling methods;
specific manual handling hazards;
safe work procedures;
using manual handling aids; and
the right to ask for help.
Most manual handling injuries to young people can be prevented by instruction, training and supervision. Employers, with the help of employees, should prepare safe work procedures to care for the special needs of young and inexperienced workers.
Even though you may be young and new to the job, as a young employee you have a responsibility to speak up if you feel your job is too heavy, too difficult, too tiring or puts you at risk of injury.
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It is the employer's responsibility to provide you with safe work procedures, and with instruction, training and supervision for manual handling tasks. |
Ways to reduce the risk:
lighten loads (break loads into smaller quantities);
reduce bending, twisting, reaching movements;
use team lifting;
use mechanical assistance (eg. trolleys and adjustable height workbenches and seating); and
prevent muscle strain and fatigue. This includes warming up before working, setting aside time for rest breaks, and allowing time to gradually get used to a new job.
Slippery floors
Slippery and uneven floors in the workplace are a serious hazard and can result in far more serious accidents than simply slipping or falling over. For example, in food preparation areas, young people have received burns when they have accidentally pulled pots of hot liquid onto themselves as they have fallen to the floor.
Floors should be cleaned regularly so that oil, fat and other spills do not create an unsafe surface.
Employers must ensure that floors are even, slip resistant and free from any obstruction that may cause an employee to trip or fall.
