There are 1.8 million people in the UK suffering from work-related illnesses and about half a million UK workers have a work-related musculoskeletal disorder. These statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are staggering – especially when you consider that injury at work is easily preventable.

Manual handling tasks are the leading cause of workplace injuries, suggesting they’re often performed without proper technique or safety measures in place. Our latest article on common manual handling mistakes and how to avoid them, outlines how to reduce manual handling injury risks and maintain a safer, more productive work environment. These are the most common manual handling mistakes:

Poor lifting technique

One of the most prevalent manual handling mistakes is using improper lifting techniques. People often bend at the waist, rounding their backs, and relying solely on their back muscles to lift heavy objects. This places excessive strain on the spine and can lead to back injuries.

Solution

• Bend at the hips and knees, keeping your back straight and maintaining a natural curve in your spine.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Use your legs to lift, not your back.
• Avoid twisting your body while lifting.
• Ensure a firm grip of the load and turn with your head as the body will follow.

Ignoring ergonomics

Ergonomics is sometimes described as “fitting the job to the person rather than the person to the job”. The ergonomic approach, therefore, looks at manual handling as a whole. It takes into account a range of relevant factors including the nature of the task, the load, and the work environment. Ignoring this approach, can expose workers to a wide range of injuries, which ultimately leads to more sick days and lower productivity. These can be prevented by simply using an ergonomic approach in the workplace.

Solution 

• Make the load smaller or lighter and easier to grasp.
• Break up large consignments into smaller loads.
• Modify the workplace to reduce carrying distances, twisting movements, or the need to lift things from floor level or above shoulder height.
• Change the work routine to avoid excessive work rates and tight deadlines.
• Improve the environment – more space, better flooring, extra lighting or changing the air temperature can make manual handling easier and safer.
• Make sure the person doing the lifting has been trained to lift.
• Taking regular breaks to stretch and rest when performing repetitive tasks.
• Working desks and locations are at adequate heights and sizes for each individual suitable to them as a person.

Poor planning

Inadequate planning before lifting is another significant mistake and failing to assess the route or the load can lead to unexpected hazards and difficulties during the lift.

Solution

• It is crucial to assess the weight, size, and shape of the load that its size won’t effect the routes being completed.
• Ensuring the route is clear of obstacles and hazards is also essential.
• Planning the lift involves thinking about where you will grip the load and how you will move it to its destination safely.
• Rest points that may be required or if dual lifts can help minimise the risk.

Overestimating

Overestimating one’s ability to lift heavy objects can lead to severe injuries, including hernias, muscle tears, and spinal damage. It is important to be aware of your lifting capacity and not attempt to lift objects that are too heavy.

Solution 

• Take a consideration for each individuals capability’s who is involved in any lifting on site.
• Use mechanical aids like trolleys, hoists, or forklifts.
• Ask a colleague for assistance.

Inadequate training

A lack of training is another critical factor leading to manual handling mistakes, as many employees may not receive adequate training on proper manual handling techniques. Without proper education, workers are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to injuries. Manual handling training suitable for the operatives job role is essential.

Solution

• Ensure all employees receive correct training.
• Conducting regular updates and new starter training.
• Promoting a healthy workplace culture.

The acronym

T-Task
I-Individual
L-Load
E-Environment
O-Other factors

Helps all workers go through a dynamic thought process to encapture all risk factors when carrying out manual handling tasks at work.

While manual handling incidents are common, the majority of injuries are preventable. Businesses must prioritise health and safety risk assessments and implement manual handling training to ensure workers use safe manual handling techniques.

For further advice on common manual handling mistakes, and how we can assist, with training options for your organisation, please contact us here.