Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
(Photo : Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash)

Although most businesses these days lean towards automatization and digitalization, manual handling remains a very important component of many workflows. A future where machines replace all physical aspects of people's jobs is still far away, so the human factor continues to play a very important role in carrying out daily business activities.

Therefore, if your business involves employees carrying and lifting heavy objects, you have to make sure they perform these tasks safely. It'sa well-known fact that manual handling poses a series of challenges for business owners and employees alike. Statistics provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that in 2021, almost 18% of the claims reported involved lifting and handling accidents.  

In theory, manual handling seems pretty straightforward. You just pick things up and take them from one place to another. But in reality, there are plenty of things that can go wrong. If you are not aware of these facts, you put your employees at risk for serious injuries and you also risk dealing with a multitude of manual handling injury claims as a result. 

This short guide comes to your aid, to help you minimize manual handling hazards and keep your employees and your business safe. 

What does manual handling imply?

Let's first clarify what manual handling implies. In the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, manual handling is defined as the transporting or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying, or moving) by hand or by bodily force.

Therefore, any activity that involves the actions listed above can be considered manual handling. As for the load being handled, it's not limited to inanimate objects. It can also refer to people or animals, depending on the nature of the job. 

How to rely less on manual handling 

The most efficient way to keep manual handling injuries at bay is to avoid performing manual handling tasks in the first place. While it's not always possible to eliminate manual handling altogether, there are ways to reduce it. 

The best approach is to assess the task at hand and see if there are any ways in which you can avoid manual handling. That can be done either by changing the work process, so there is no need to move things around by using physical force, or by employing specialized equipment, such as a trolley or a host, to assist with the task. 

How to make manual handling safer

When manual handling can't be avoided, you have to make sure your employees are carrying out these tasks safely. It's crucial that you and your employees are up to date with the latest guidelines and regulations regarding manual handling, especially if they perform these types of activities on a regular basis. 

Each one of your employees has to undergo appropriate manual handling training and be aware of the health and safety regulations in place. You also have to consider employees' abilities and characteristics, such as age, physical condition, or medical history, before assigning manual handling work to them. 

If you want to make sure your employees are safe while lifting can carrying loads around work premises, here are some of the most effective tips to keep in mind.  

Preparation is key

Every manual handling task should start with proper preparation. So, before you jump into it, you have to assess risks and plan each move you're going to make. You have to consider the load's location, its weight, the carrying distance, and how you're going to transport it from point A to point B. This will help you identify potential obstacles and hazards, and decide on the best course of action. 

Adopt a good posture 

After you've found the best manual handling method, you can proceed to lift the load. The most important aspect to keep in mind here is adopting a proper lifting position. Stability is crucial in this respect. You'll have to get as close to the load as possible, position your feet slightly apart, bend your knees, and get a good grip of the load before you lift it. Keep your back straight during lifting, and don't twist, or make any sudden moves. If the load feels too heavy to be lifted safely, ask someone to help you. 

Wear adequate attire 

In certain work settings, employees are required to wear Personal Protective Equipment or PPE to protect them against physical harm, and hazards. It's therefore important to comply with workplace regulations, and wear adequate clothing and footwear when you carry a load. Restrictive clothing or inappropriate shoes will not only make it harder for you to perform the task, but they'll also expose you to the risk of accidents. 

Be aware of your surroundings 

While you're carrying the load, don't let yourself get distracted by anything. Continue looking ahead to make sure you can see what's happening around you at all times. This will help you notice obstacles, slippery areas, stairs, or uneven surfaces in due time, and adjust your trajectory accordingly.  

Don't rush 

Even if you're in a hurry, you should refrain from rushing. You should move as smoothly as possible, at a pace that feels comfortable for you, all while keeping the load close to your body. Sudden twists or jerks can make you lose balance and lose control of the load. This leads to drops or falls that can result in an injury. 

Set the load down carefully 

Once you've reached your destination, you have to set the load down carefully. You have to perform the same moves you did when lifting but in the opposite order. Make sure there are no obstacles around you, keep your back straight, bend your knees, and slowly put the load down. 

As a business owner, you should make sure all your employees follow these tips in order to make manual handling as safe and comfortable as possible and minimize the risk of accidents in the workplace.