CHI FARMS HSE
MAY 2023
Objectives:
to acquaint us with the knowledge, skills and
attitude to enable employees to lift and move loads
in accordance with good manual handling techniques
and to avoid risk of injury.
• Maintain safe and healthy work
environment.
• Reduce the cost of manual handling injuries
both to the organization and employee.
• Address any unsafe condition which may
increase the risk of manual handling injuries.
Introduction
Manual handling occurs in almost all working
environments (factories,
warehouses, building sites, farms, hospitals,
offices etc.).
It can include lifting boxes, farm feeds,
handling construction and engineering
materials, pushing carts, and cleaning.
What is manual handling?
Manual handling is any acitivity that requires one or more employee to transport or
support a load by hand or any bodily force. It includes the following activities:
Lifting,
Holding,
Putting down,
Pushing and pulling,
Carrying or moving of a load.
The load can be inanimate object such as boxes, heavy tools, limestone bags, heavy
metals, farm feeds etc.
Manual handling is also sometimes called ‘manual material handling’ (MMH)
Hazards of Manual Handling
Common injuries associated with manual handling can be
majorly categorized into;
• Accidents: unexpected events such as; Cuts, bruises,
fractures etc.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD): are injuries or pain in
the human body system (include tendon, ligaments,
bones, joints and nerves).
Musculoskeletal disorders (cont’d)
These injuries (MSDs) can be divided
into 3 groups:
Neck and upper limb disorders
Lower limb disorders
Back pain and back injuries.
RISK FACTORS OF MHL
There are several factors that make manual handling
hazardous, and increase the risk of injury. These are
called risk factors. The risk factors are in acronym LITE:
• Load (L),
• Individual (I)
• Task (T) and
• Environment (E)
Control Considerations for Manual Handling
• Must it be moved?
• Must it be lifted?
• Can it be moved mechanically?
• Can the load be reduced?
• Can the load be lifted singlehandedly or assistance is
needed?
• Is the load too heavy to be lifted (safely)?
• Is suitable PPE provided?
SAFE
MANUAL
HANDLING
PROCEDURE
The following are the safe procedures when
carrying/lifting any load manually;
Stand with your feet slightly apart with the one foot
forward and firmly.
• Bend your knees not your back
• Keep your back straight
• Have secure grip on the load
• Lock your
elbows, lift,
• then rise slowly with the
load
• Grip the
load
firmly
close to
your
body
Other things to avoid when lifting
heavy objects
• When carrying an object don’t bend or twist at the
waist. If you need to turn, slowly turn with your feet.
• Don’t use partial grip on object. Always use two hands.
• Don’t run while carrying heavy object. Likelihood of fall.
• Never obstruct your vision with object you are carrying.
Don’t lift above shoulder.
• Never forget to wear your PPEs such as gloves for good
grip or shoulder pads to cushion the load.
PUSH AND PULL SAFETY
Pulling a load while facing the direction of
travel may cause your arm to be stretched
behind your body, and increases your risk of
injury. Therefore, it is advisable to push than to
pull.
When you push:
• You can see where you are going.
• You cause less stress on the
shoulders and decrease the chance
for injury.
• You can apply more force by leaning
your body weight on the load making
the work easier.
Safe push or pull procedures.
• Plan your path of travel. Make sure it is free of obstructions,
slippery surfaces, etc.
• Avoid rough or uneven surfaces.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Make sure the load is stable.
• Do not try to catch a falling load.
• Place your hands within the sides of the cart or equipment.
• Use both arms.
• Keep your elbows in as close to your body as possible.
• Keep your back straight.
• Stay close to the item you are moving.
• Avoid moving too fast. Pace yourself.
Think
Safety
and
Act
Safely
QUESTIONS???
