MAG_AP_Q1-2019

ACCESS POINT MAGAZINE
ALI & SONS MARINE ENGINEERING FACTORY
ASMEF’s HSE Campaign Q1 2019
MANUAL HANDLING
When one thinks of safety we always tend to
think or give more importance to what
appears dramatic such as falls, vehicular
accidents, fires, and the like. What does not
appear grotesque enough, is often not given
that much of importance. However, all of us
– even those with sedentary desk jobs – are
subject to the risks of manual handling, as it
is our bodies, or parts thereof, that are put
under stress every time we carry out the
slightest physical activity, especially if we do it
incorrectly. While sometimes the possibility of
injury is immediate, most often years of stress
results in permanent damage that can be quite incapacitating. Studies have shown that over a
third of all workplace injuries are related to manual handling. It is also proven that the risks of
manual handling tend to be ignored, as the injuries almost always occurs only several years
later.
It is with this in mind, that at ASMEF ‘Manual Handling’ was selected as the HSE campaign
theme for the 1st quarter of the year. Other than posters and banners highlighting the theme,
Manual Handling is being regularly discussed at all the HSE meetings and tool box talks, as well
as training sessions to maintain continuous focus. Worker participation is also actively promoted
during the various
activities included in
the campaign, such
as poster and slogan
competitions,
exercises and
presentations. The
increased focus has
also been brought to
the forefront when
carrying out risk
assessments and HSE
Inspections, thereby
contributing to a
safer workplace and
a more fit and healthy
workforce.
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