This week we learned about manual handling. After an overview of each class member demonstrated how to lift and carry an object correctly according to what they had been instructed.
We learned that manual handling is any activity that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining. it is essential that these tasks be completed as correctly as possible to minimise the risk of injury or aggravation to existing injuries.
Manual handling principles can use the SMART approach.
S - size of the load
M - move in close to the load
A - always bend your knees
R - raise the object with your knees
T - turn by moving your feet
Risk management with respect to manual handling is a step by step process to help employers identify, assess and then eliminate or control risks so as to avoid injury in the workplace.
There are three steps for solving manual handling problems:
- Risk Identification - This is where you identify a task that may be a risk.
- Risk Assessment - After the risk has been identified as a risk, it must be assessed to find out what the specific risk factors are.
- Risk Control - Controls are steps taken to eliminate or at least reduce the risk factors in a task.
We also looked at four case studies that involved manual handling. We identified risks, assessed risks and how to control the risk.
We concluded the lesson by watching a video on the human spine. We also began a discussion on dangerous goods which would resume to following week.
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