Manual Handling Ergonomics and Roll Cage Safety Blood

Manual Handling, Ergonomics and Roll Cage Safety. Blood Manufacturing functions

Contents & Objectives Manual Handling • • Ergonomics What is Manual Handling • The Law & • Responsibilities Basic Human Anatomy • The Kinetic Lift • What is Ergonomics Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work Related Upper Limb Disorder Posture Work space design / principles Roll cage Safety • Hazards associated with Roll cages • Safety Tips for safe Handling

What Is Manual Handling The transportation or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving) by hand or by bodily force”.

Work and Home

The Law and Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 • • • Carry out general risk assessment (MH&SW Regs) Avoid significant risks if possible Consider mechanical or automated process If task cannot be avoided or automated carry out risk assessment in accordance with the MHOR Record findings and produce SSW Provide training to employees

MHOR 1992 Duties of the Employees are legally required to: • Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of their colleagues and clients • Use available work and safety equipment, in accordance with the training and instruction provided • Follow appropriate systems of work laid down by the employer in their manual handling policy • Use proper channels to inform management of possible hazards or shortcomings in manual handling activities.

Anatomy The Spine • 33 vertebrae • 4 Main areas – Cervical – Thoracic – Lumbar – Sacrum • Natural Curves

Biomechanics Parts of the body which can be injured from Manual Handling • • • Lower back or lumbar region Neck or cervical region Arms, wrists and shoulders Knees Hands and fingers Stomach muscles

Main causes of Back Pain • • Twisting and bending Over reaching Heavy loads or forces Working in a stooped / twisted position Sudden or unexpected movements Static or fixed posture Repetitive movement Individual susceptibility

Lifting Safely and the Kinetic Lift

When you have to carry items • You need to do this in a safe manner • You should use the Kinetic lift, which is the suggested way of lifting items • It can be adapted to suit the circumstances • Avoid lifting and bending whenever you can, the best zone for lifting is between your shoulders and waist • Use a second person to assist if appropriate • USE TROLLEYS OR OTHER MECHANICAL AIDS TO MOVE OBJECTS INSTEAD OF CARRYING THEM YOURSELF

Kinetic Lift Planning the lift Stop and think before you lift • • • Plan your lift Where is the load going? How are you going to move it Do you need help Any handling aids you could use Is your route to the destination clear, are there any obstructions

Position yourself Ensure you are stable and balanced • Adopt a stable base keeping the lead foot flat on the floor

Adopt a good posture • Bend your knees and keep your back straight with chin tucked in. • Lean forward slightly to get a good grip. • Keep shoulders level and facing the same direction as your hips when lifting. • Use your thigh muscles.

The lift Lift the load as smooth as possible • Make sure your head is in a neutral position. • Keep your back straight • Using your legs NOT YOUR BACK stand up.

Transporting the load • Get a firm grip. • Don’t jerk the load. • Move your feet. • Do NOT run • Keep the load close to reduce the lever effect.

Reaching your destination • Always place the load down before placing it into its final position. • If possible slide the object to reduce any need to lift again • If possible, place on something that is waist height

Practical – have a go Good technique reminders • Stop and think • Position your feet • Adopt a good posture • Get a firm grip • Keep close to the load • Don’t jerk • Move your feet • Put down then adjust • Vary tasks

Guidance for lifting

Ergonomics Defined as; ‘The study of human abilities and characteristics which affect the design of equipment, systems and jobs…its aims are to improve efficiency, look after the safety and wellbeing of the operator’.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) • A collection of disorders to the muscles, joints and soft tissues of the neck, shoulder, arm, wrist, leg. . . basically any moving part under voluntary control • Usually caused by a combination of factors which overload the structures sufficiently that they do not recover • The symptoms include pain, aches, heaviness, swelling, burning, shooting pains or loss of strength

Work Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULDS) • These are problems with the shoulder, neck, arm, forearm, elbow, wrist hand fingers (any area of upper body) • Risk Factors include: Poor Posture, Repetition/Duration, Force/Sudden exertion, Psychosocial Factors, Impact of Environmental Factor, Lack of task rotation • Symptoms include tenderness, aches and pains, stiffness, tingling, numbness, cramp or swelling.

Posture Awareness • Muscles and Joints work best when they are working in or around their neutral postures • This principle is the foundation of all Postural Risk assessment tools • Regular movement and changes in position are also required to ensure good blood flow Good posture and regular movement is key in avoiding injury

Neutral Postures

Healthy Sitting • Maintain an “S” shaped spine • Wherever possible ensure that your back is supported • Feet flat on the floor • Avoid twisting • Stand up and stretch where possible

Principles of Healthy Standing • Maintain an “S” shaped spine • Avoid working in a stooped posture • Avoid repeatedly bending and twisting

Work design – Ergonomic principles • Forward facing posture • Work points in ideal work zones – a) Vision – b) Operation pedals / switches – c) Manipulation / hand holds – d) Optimal joint position and muscle use • Postural variation in tasks for all body parts • Tasks within individual’s mental, skill and physical capacity

Reach • Do not over-reach • Work close to body • Avoid crossing arms over body

Roll Cage Safety

What are the Hazards When Using a Roll Cage? • • • Running over toes Pulling & Pushing injuries Cage overload Cage overturning Cuts and abrasions from damaged cages • Weight of the cage • Finger trapping

How to Reduce Accidents • Inspections. – Inspect and report any faulty cages to your manager or Supervisor • When loading and unloading – Check condition of the ground for any hazards – Use proper restraint, (Apply brakes, Hook doors back to stop swinging shut and open the lid if the cage has a lid). • Wearing PPE – No open toed shoes, gloves should be available • Use a second person when moving a cage if necessary.

Moving a roll cage, Push or Pull? Cage manufacturers and Health and Safety Executive generally advise pushing Pushing • Slips: roll cage is moving away • Lower risk of catching feet and ankles • Better posture • Less likely to tip • Vision can be a problem Pulling • Heels and ankles easily caught • Twisting to see route • If Cage is heavy difficult to stop

Safe Systems of Work • Wheel the cage into the required position and apply brakes • Open the door and lock it back • Open the lid (if present) by lifting it at one side. (Watch out for finger trapping) • Empty the crates using two hand 1 at a time.

Any Questions ?