TOOL%20BOX%20TALKS

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TOOL BOX TALKS

• Manual Handling

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What is Manual Handling

• Any activity requiring the use of force exerted
  by a person to lift, push, pull, carry or
  otherwise move, hold or restrain any object.

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Manual Handling

• About 32 of workplace injuries are caused by
  manual handling
• Injuries usually involve the back, neck or
  shoulders
• Injuries are caused my sudden movements as well
  lifting something heavy or wear and tear from
  repetitive work

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Why Hazardous

• High force lifting something really heavy,
  pushing a heavy trolley, straining
• Unsafe awkward posture bending/twisting
• Sustained work holding a heavy item for some
  time
• Repetitive work using the same muscles,
  tendons, ligaments over and over
• Unstable/unbalanced loads which may be difficult
  to grasp

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Spinal structure and posture

• There are 3 main curves in the spine
• Cervical (inward)
• Thoracic (outward)
• Lumbar (inward)

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Structure and function of spine

• Function support body in an upright posture, and
  protect the spinal cord
• Structure
• Vertebrae (body segments
• Discs (cushion the vertebrae, act as shock
  absorber)
• Spinal cord (nerves)

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Organisation Manual Handling Policy and Safe Work
Practices for specific tasks
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Safe Lifting Zone

• Avoid lifting above here
• Most desirable range
• Avoid lifting below here

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Practical Strategies to reduce risk of injury

• Plan ahead complete risk assessment
• Dont rush
• Use lifting equipment
• Seek assistance
• Avoid twisting by moving your feet
• Stretch/warm up prior to manual handling
• If an unusual or unfamiliar task take a step back
  and think about how to do it safely
• Maintain good posture
• Use safe lifting techniques

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Safe Lifting Technique

• Size up the load
• Move as close to the load as possible
• Position your feet apart under the shoulders
• Brace abdominals and shoulders
• Incline trunk forward, hips and knees bent, push
  bottom backwards so shoulders are over the centre
  of gravity of the load
• Test the weight of the load is it safe to lift?
• Keep load close to body and keep head and chest
  up
• Straighten up by extending hips and knees
• Change direction with your feet avoid twisting