h Are the objects simply too heavy for manual handling? (p34)
h Are the objects of an awkward shape to carry while in a balanced posture? Are they difficult to obtain a good grip on? Are they unbalanced or do they have contents that may move suddenly?
h Do they have sharp edges or protusions? (p36)
h In the case of sheet material and other large-sized loads, are straps, special holders or team-lifting techniques used? (p37)
h Is the need to undertake these lifting tasks spread as evenly as possible across the working day or are there unnecessary periods of intensive activity caused by bottlenecks or unanticipated changes in the flow of material? (p38)
h Have workers been given all the necessary training? (p39)
Having addressed the above points the appropriate types of action might include one of, or a combination of, any of the following:
h The flow of materials through the workplace could be rearranged. For example, automatic doors could be installed at key points to obviate the need to put down and re-lift objects; rollers could be employed to facilitate movement of objects; changes could be made so that objects are located in optimal height ranges for handling; etc. (p49)
h The force required for lifting and lowering objects might be reduced by eliminating the need for manual movement by using lift tables, forklifts, hoists, balancers, gravity dumps/chutes; reducing the capacity of containers; changing object shapes; providing suitable grips or handles; providing better access to the load; etc (p51)
h Making better use of team lifting (p59).
h Mechanical aids might be introduced including sliding rails, roller/belt conveyors, lift jacks, adjustable platforms, mobile hoists, transport wagons, fork lift trucks and two-wheeled hand trucks (p59).
The manual handling problems considered above account for nearly a quarter of all Body stressing cases, from the national perspective. As demonstrated above, the Code is a good starting point for developing preventive measures for these types of problems. It provides pertinent information on the issues to be addressed and the broad options for solutions in certain circumstances. These general suggestions can then be refined to take into account the specific work environment, work flows, hazards and budgetary resources of the business which is attempting to improve its manual handling performance. (It should be noted that many studies have found that considerable improvement can often be achieved through relatively simple, low-cost workplace changes, which also usually improve the businesses’ productivity).
The process for introduction of preventive measures in respect of the other types of Body stressing problems identified in this analysis, would follow much the same steps as referred to above for the lifting of packaging and other materials. The Safe Manual Handling Checklist (pp 71-73 of the Code) is an appropriate starting point in this sequence of events.
This analysis of current data shows the types of problems arising at present from poor manual handling practices. It is clear that the National Standard for Manual Handling and its associated Codes of practice have an important role to play in reducing the incidence of these more prevalent occurrences and represents a very useful tool for this purpose. Nevertheless, their existence alone is insufficient to reduce manual handling injuries/diseases. It is also quite clear that effective outcomes require businesses to adapt the range of preventive options presented in the standard to their specific needs in order to develop viable solutions which produce results for their workplaces in the shortest practicable timeframes. Furthermore, in order to achieve these improvements, there must be continuing awareness of the problem at the workplace level, combined with the genuine commitment and perseverance necessary to eliminate it.
References
(1) Foley G, Gale J, Gavenlock L, ‘The Cost of Work-related Injury and Disease, J Occup Health Safety – Aust NZ, 11(2): 171-194, 1995.
(2) Industry Commission, Work, Health and Safety – Inquiry into Occupational Health and Safety, Report No. 47, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1995.
(3) Finch C, Rechnitzer G, Hodgson R, Brumen I, Caple D, Manual handling risk assessment in manufacturing industries – a focus on women. (An evaluation of the manual handling risk assessment checksheets), Report No. 97, Monash University Accident Research Centre, 1996. (Funded by Worksafe Australia).