Manual Handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 ...

Health and Safety
Executive
Guidance
96 Additionally, when pushing and pulling forces are transmitted from the
handler’s feet to the floor, the risk of slipping and consequent injury is much greater.
For this reason, pushing or pulling a load in circumstances where the grip between
foot and floor is poor – whether through the condition of the floor, footwear or both
– is likely to increase the risk of injury significantly.
Does the task involve positioning the load precisely?
97 A requirement to position the load precisely may add to the risk of injury
because:
(a)
(b)
the load must be controlled into its final position and perhaps re-adjusted
before it is put in place. This increases the effort and time required to
complete the manual handling operation;
it can involve more awkward postures.
Does the task involve a risk of sudden movement of the load?
98 If a load suddenly becomes free and the handler is unprepared or is not able
to keep complete control of the load, unpredictable stresses can be imposed on
the body, creating a risk of injury. For example, freeing a box jammed on a shelf or
releasing a machine component during maintenance work can easily cause injury if
handling conditions are not ideal. Problems may also occur during the handling of
people or animals which may behave unpredictably. The risk is made worse if the
handler’s posture is unstable.
Does the task involve several risk factors?
99 Individual capability will be greatly reduced if twisting is combined with
stooping or stretching. Such combinations should be avoided wherever possible,
especially since their effect on individual capability can be worse than the simple
addition of their individual effects might suggest.
Reducing the risk
Changing the task layout
100 There may be scope for changes to the layout of the task to reduce the risk
of injury by, for example, improving the flow of materials or products. Such changes
will often bring the additional benefits of increased efficiency and productivity. The
optimum position for storage of loads, for example, is around waist height. Storage
much above or below this height should be reserved for loads that are lighter, more
easily handled, or handled infrequently.
Improving efficient use of the body
101 Changes to the task layout, the equipment used, or the sequence of
operations can reduce or remove the need for twisting, stooping and stretching.
4(1)(b)(i) and (ii)
102 Generally, any change that allows the load to be held closer to the body
is likely to reduce the risk of injury. The level of stress in the lower back will be
reduced; the weight of the load will be more easily counterbalanced by the weight
of the body; and the load will be more stable and the handler less likely to lose
control of it. In addition, if the load is hugged to the body, friction with the handler’s
garments will steady it and may help to support its weight. The need for protective
clothing should also be considered (see paragraphs 183-185).
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