Manual Handling Written by Tony Vinckx 2007 Page

Manual Handling Written by Tony Vinckx, 2007 Page 1

Introduction The purpose of this presentation is to inform staff of the changes resulting from new National Standard for Manual Handling released August 2007 and the National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work released August 2007. The Manual and Mechanical Handling Procedure is to be used when assessing manual handling in the workplace. This presentation is intended to complement the existing Manual and Mechanical Handling Procedure. Page 2

What is meant by the term “Manual Handling” Manual handling is described by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission's National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Manual Handling at Work as "any activity requiring a person to use any part of their muscular or skeletal system in their interactions with their work environment. " Manual handling includes, but is not restricted to: * lifting or lowering; * pushing or pulling; * holding or restraining; * carrying or otherwise handling; * throwing or rolling; * grasping or manipulating; and * striking an object, with or without a tool. Manual handling also relates to tasks involving: * repetitive actions, with or without force; * sustained work postures; and * exposure to whole body or hand-arm vibration. Page 3

What is meant by the term “Manual Handling” Everybody who works, performs some form of manual handling, however, not all manual handling tasks are hazardous. Manual handling involves much more that just remembering to "bend your knees" when lifting heavy objects and affects more than just the back. Manual Handling also encompasses postures, repetitive actions awkward positions, basically, any action that can result in, or potentially result in an injury (musculoskeletal). Musculoskeletal disorders encompass injuries also known as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) or Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) as well as sprains, strains. Page 4

What kind of injuries can result from manual tasks at work? Those manual tasks that have the potential to cause musculoskeletal disorder are referred to in the National Standard and the Code of Practice as hazardous Manual Tasks. Hazardous Manual Tasks can lead to a variety of injuries and conditions including: Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons Back injuries, including damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones Joint injuries or degeneration including injuries to the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, hands and feet Bone injuries (eg fractures) Nerve injuries (eg Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) Muscular and vascular disorders resulting from vibration Soft tissue hernias Page 5

MSD injuries can be caused by: · repetitive motions (such as packing or sorting) · static postures or sustained exertions (such as gripping and manipulating a hand tool that is too big) · · forceful exertions (such as lifting a heavy load or cutting with a blunt knife). compression or contact stress (caused by hard or sharp edges) vibration. . . awkward postures · working in low temperatures · prolonged duration and frequency of work · psychosocial stresses. MSD’s are also common in keyboard work and processing, production and manufacturing industries. They affect nearly all soft tissues of the upper limb (including muscles, tendon sheaths, nerves and blood vessels) and may affect the lower limb. Common injuries include tendon disorders (like tendonitis), nerve disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome) and neurovascular disorders (like Reynaud's Syndrome which affects the circulatory and nervous systems). Page 6

Common Musculoskeletal Injuries Swelling Painful joints Back or neck pain Heaviness Stabbing pains in arms or legs Mr. MSD Weakness or clumsiness in hands Pain in wrists, shoulders, forearms or knees Stiffness Pain, tingling or numbness in hands or feet Fingers or toes turning white Burning sensations Page 7

Musculoskeletal Disorders Manual handling can lead to injury through the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is a term that describes injuries affecting the bones and soft tissue structure (other than organs) of the body that are caused by manual handling at work. Examples include sprains or strains of muscles or tendons; injuries to the back, joints, bones or nerves and abdominal hernias. Musculoskeletal disorders encompass injuries also known as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) or Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS). An MSD may occur suddenly from a single act of overexertion, for example straining a back muscle whilst pushing a heavily laden trolley or straining a shoulder muscle whilst lifting a heavy object. More likely, however, an MSD will develop over time from minor strains and the gradual wear and tear of the muscular or skeletal systems. Because these minor strains and gradual wear and tear may not involve pain at the time the manual handling activity is carried out there is often the incorrect perception that these activities don't involve any risk. Page 8

Musculoskeletal Disorders There a number of factors which by themselves or in combination increase the risk of a person developing a musculoskeletal disorder. These individual 'risk factors' include: posture, force exerted, the repetition and speed of movements made, vibration, and the time taken to complete a task. All of these individual risk factors are in turn influenced by: • The design and set up of the workplace and individual workstations • The work environment • The characteristics and location of items • The way work is organised • The systems of work in place Page 9

Did you know? Injuries from manual handling are the most prevalent, most expensive & most preventable workplace injuries in the country. Injuries from manual handling account for almost 50% of all occupational injuries and illnesses that are serious enough to result in days away from work. Manual tasks at work resulted in 437, 852 compensation claims in Australia between July 1997 and June 2003. This is equal to 41. 6% of all compensation claims for that period, with a direct cost of $11. 965 Billion, not counting indirect impacts (such as long term impacts on the quality of life of the injured worker). From 1985 to 1999, in Victoria, injuries from manual handling accounted for 62% of all workers compensation costs, approximately $412 million per year. During the years 2005 to 2006 Manual tasks at work resulted in 53 percent of compensation claims in Queensland. Page 10

Did you know? During the years 2004 - 2005, 17, 000 people had serious injuries or illness related to Manual Handling. This cost NSW workplaces $334 million. During the years 2000 - 2004, 2000+ Injuries to Defence personnel & Defence Civilians. related to Manual Handling. Cost $48 Million. During the years 2003 - 2004, Diseases of the Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue in the Government Administration and Defence category saw 645 incidents, 6. 2 week median lost time and average cost per claim $11, 800. This year to date we had 30 injuries for the category sprains / strains and muscular stress. There have been 4 work cover claims and 1528. 4 hours lost. Financial cost (direct) = $47, 200 indirect costs include replacement of employee, loss of morale, decreased productivity etc. Page 11

Why do Manual Handling Incidents Occur? Manual handling injuries occur when there is a mismatch between the physical requirements of the job and the physical capacity of the worker. Prolonged exposure to risks will cause an injury. For example: • Workers must adopt harmful postures in order to handle loads • Workers are expected to lift loads which are too heavy Specialist gripping devices • Objects are not designed for ease of handling • Workplaces are poorly designed (including work stations) • Work systems are poorly designed, eg. frequency and pace of handing tasks increase the risks Page 12

Tips for Aches and Pains at Work Body part fatigued Common contributing factors Back of neck Looking down for prolonged periods for example, at documents or keyboard Use a document holder. Improve keyboard skills. Check monitor height. Side of neck Looking to one side Relocate work so job is directly in front of you Top of shoulders, outside or front of shoulders Work surface too high, arms unsupported Raise chair, use footrest, rest palms on front of desk, reduce desk height (if adjustable) Lower back Inadequate lumbar support Adjust back rest height and angle to give firm support, remove arms from chair, remove obstructions under desk (eg drawers) Upper back Twisted posture Sit straight on, locate documents, screen and keyboard in front of you Right arm or shoulder Arm outstretched unsupported Move mouse closer, use single surface desk Left arm, shoulder or neck Reaching for telephone or cradling telephone on shoulder Bring phone closer. Use headset. Leg discomfort, swollen feet Underside of thighs compressed against chair seat Use footrest or reduce desk and chair height Headaches Posture, visual problems, noise, stress, glare, high work load Rearrange work area; re-direct traffic; screen filter; close blinds; shut door; vary tasks; take micro pauses; smooth out work flow; reduce time on computer; eye test. Eye fatigue, temporary short sightedness Visual problems, screen too close, poor image quality, glare, screen reflections Rearrange work area; screen filter; close blinds; vary tasks; take micro pauses; eye test. Page 13

Stretches • • Stretches performed a few times daily can help you maintain a healthy neck and back Stretches should be gentle, never forced Relax, perform the stretches slowly and on both sides Do not force movements and stop if you feel discomfort when performing an action Neck/Head Rolls Gently lean your ear towards your shoulder and hold for 10 seconds. Slowly roll your head forward and around to the other side, tucking your chin under. Repeat several times from side to side. Do not roll your head backwards. Head Turns Look over your left shoulder, and hold for 10 seconds. Turn and repeat on the other side. Repeat several times. Page 14

Chin Tucks From a head upright position, tuck your chin under and pull up slightly, making a double chin. The top of your head will tilt forward slightly. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat several times. Shoulder Rolls Roll your shoulders forward in circles several times, then roll backward. Repeat 3 - 5 times. Shoulder Stretch your arm above your head, bring your opposite hand up and over your arm to the elbow. Gently pull the elbow behind your head. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat several times with both arms. Page 15

Wrist Stretch Interlace your fingers and turn your palms outwards, straighten arms in front of you. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat several times. Do not “crack” your fingers”. Foot Circles Lift your leg off the floor and straighten it. Point your toes and draw circles in the air a few times. Repeat with ankles flexed –ie. with the foot towards the body. Upper & Lower Back Stretch Straighten out your arms above your head, palms up, fingers linked, slowly lean over to one side. Hold, then slowly lean over the other side. Repeat several times. Back Arching This is a good exercise if your back is feeling a little stiff. Stand up and support your back with your hands. Gently arch backwards and hold for 5 – 10 seconds. Repeat as often as is necessary. Page 16

Legal Framework Occupational Health and Safety Acts (State & National) Set out general duties of care Code of Practice for Manual Handling Provides practical guidance on how to comply with Regulations Occupational Health and Safety (Manual Handling) Regulations Aims to protect people at work against manual handling injuries Australian Standards Provides advice on best practice Page 17

An effective Manual Handling program will include: Management leadership & employee participation Hazard information & reporting Risk analysis & control Action plans Evaluation Training Page 18

Benefits of an effective Manual Handling program can include: • Reduced financial burden of company • Reduced pain, suffering and restricted mobility for injured workers • Increased quality of life for injured workers • Increased workplace morale • Increased productivity • Lower staff turn over Page 19

Responsibilities Under the state OHS regulations and Comcare, management is responsible for the following: 1). Maintaining a safe workplace. 2). Identifying tasks that involve manual handling hazards and eliminating the risk. 3). If it not practical to eliminate the risk, the risk must be reduced as far as reasonably practicable by: • Changing workplace layout, workplace environment, or the systems of work. • Changing the objects used in the task, or • Using mechanical aids. 4). If there is still a risk after these methods, management is to control it by providing information, training or instruction. 5). Reviewing (and if necessary revising) risk controls put in place. Employees also have responsibilities to: 1). Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your work. 2). Co operate with management efforts to ensure a safe workplace. 3). Use health and safety (manual handling) equipment properly. 4). Follow health and safety policies and procedures. 5). Attend health and safety training. 6). To not take shortcuts that could increase risks to yourself whilst carrying out work. Page 20

Lifting Guidelines Currently there are no State or National laid down definite safe maximum lifting limits. However the National Code of practice has supplied guidelines for lifting as detailed above. Some research indicates that 90% of male workers can safely lift: • 14 kg every 5 minutes • 4. 5 kg 16 times per minute • 16 - 20 kg is a practical limit for one person, to minimise the risk of injury • 16 - 55 kg team lift / mechanical aids should be assessed & used • NO person should handle above 55 kg, unless team lift / mechanical aids are used Page 21

Determine Safe Work Procedures Identify the work that involves Manual Handling which may pose a risk / hazard to workers. Carry out risk assessment of those tasks (involve relevant workers in this process). Refer to incident logs, hazard identification records, Lost time records. Consult / seek external opinions where necessary. Refer to Hierarchy of controls to either eliminate the hazard or control and minimise the hazard: Elimination Substitution Isolation Can the task be eliminated? Can mechanical aids be used? Can the environmental conditions be altered? Engineering controls Can the objects used in the task be changed? Administrative controls Can the systems of work be altered? Training and personal protective equipment Can the work practices be altered? Page 22

Locating Manual Handling Hazards Some useful records include: Workers compensation claims Register of injuries First-aid reports Symptoms surveys Safety meeting reports Job descriptions Employee complaints Safety audits Equipment and tool evaluations Page 23

Carrying out risk assessments When carrying out risk assessments also consider: • Actions and movements • Workplace and workstation layout • Workers posture and position • Duration and frequency of Manual Handling • Load location and distance • Weights and forces • The characteristics of loads and equipment • Work organisation • Work environment • Workers age, skill, experience • Clothing required • Special needs of the worker Page 24

Carrying out risk assessments When carrying out risk assessments observe and record: • The workplace and workflow design • How and where equipment is used • How tools are stored and accessed • Tasks that require awkward postures and movements • Tasks that are forceful • Tasks that are repetitive • How workers perform the tasks • How workers may be injured Page 25

Manual Handling Considerations Page 26

Planning and Carrying out a safe lift Think before lifting / handling Keep the load close to the waist Consider mechanical aids: A two wheeled trolley can make a big improvement Keep the head up when handling Adopt a stable position With feet apart and one Leg slightly forward to Maintain balance Avoid twisting the back or leaning Sideways, especially while the back is bent Start in a good posture Pull down then adjust Page 27

Recommendations Page 28

Recommendations Load too high Load too wide Assess the load & lift within YOUR! capabilities. Load too long Page 29

Training Who to train? Employees Supervisors Purchasing officers Suppliers OH&S representatives What to train? • • Process training provides instruction about risk factors, MSD symptoms, injury reporting and legal obligations Task training provides hands-on instruction on use of tools and equipment; lifting techniques; correct ways to stand, sit and bend; use of personal protective equipment; hazard identification; and ergonomics Page 30

Return to Work Plan The law requires employers to provide suitable duties and to actively manage return to work plans for injured workers. The injured worker is responsible for participating in the plan. Return to work activity should commence as soon as possible after injury. The workplace should provide the best environment for rehabilitation. The employeremployee relationship is critical. The plan should be tailored around the individual’s injury circumstances. Approved rehabilitation providers must be available. Page 31

Lifting Aids Handles: Handles inserted /screwed/secured to object due to lack of gripping/lifting points Trolleys: Trolleys should be used when doing repetitious work, carrying over distances Awkward Loads Reducing Repetition Attached to flat panel for ease of carrying Page 32

Mechanical Aids for Large Loads/Storage There a multitude of Mechanical Aids available, suitable for lifting, storage, specialist lifts and matching working heights. Page 33

Safety is everyone’s business. Page 34

References During the development of this presentation, information was drawn from: NSW Work Cover: ASCC: Manual handling Risk Guide Manual Handling Legislation Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, National Standard for Manual Handling released August 2007 National Code of Practice for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work released August 2007. NOHSC: 3015 Occupation Overuse Syndrome in the manufacturing industry (1996) Worksafe Victoria : Code of Practice for Manual Handling Comcare: OHS 31 Manual Handling – Reducing Injuries Health and Safety Executive: Getting to Grips with Manual Handling Page 35

Thank you for your time. Page 36