Manual Handling Techniques that you Can Do on Your Own
It's always the simplest things that has the biggest impact isn't it? Actually, the Accident Compensation Helpline has a considerable record of countless cases from employees who have sustained injuries due to simple yet inappropriate handling, lifting and carrying of tasks.
Cases like these happen more than you can ever imagine. However, the government has placed these injuries at the top reasons why employees are not at their working area. In fact, in 2011/12 alone, 32% of the injuries acquired in the workplace pushes most injured employees to take a leave of absence for 3 days or so based on the Health and Safety Executive's report. This has resulted to less manpower, which means less productivity for the company.
Injuries incurred within workplaces like warehouses and factories happen frequently, and that's not a big surprise. But, what grinds our gear is the reality that even safer workplaces such as offices or surgeries experience similar case due to the fact that a big piece of the workforce lacks proper training, equipment or knowledge.
However, these injuries are effortlessly prevented. The very best way to avoid these cases from increasing every year is simply by observing a few easy prevention strategies and by going through simple manual handling training. With this, you don't need to worry about your company's productivity any longer, and in return it will also help the overall productivity of companies in the U.K. Work incidents, account for 27 million lost work days every year in the UK, and cost the economy around £13.4 billion.
What do we have to bear in mind?
The principles of manual handling that you should try to follow
Think -Just before you think of lifting a heavy thing, the very first thing you should do is to contemplate the size and shape of the object and plan your move.
Don't lift more than you can safely manage - Lifting the things isn't the question, but can you manage it without inflicting harm upon yourself? Getting help or using an equipment to make your job easier is recommended.
Be dressed for the job-Do you feel that wearing flip-flops while carrying heavy items is safe? No, it is not. It's suggested that aside from wearing proper working garments, you must also wear proper footwear at the same time.
Get your position right - Never ever lose your balance- have your one leg slightly positioned forward and make certain your feet are not close to each other.
Hold on tight -You must ensure that you are holding the item tight and hugging it close to you before you start to lift it up.
Your posture matters - Even when getting the item, you should make sure that you have your back slightly bend, and also your hips and knees. On the other hand, you must not stoop over the thing if it's laid on the ground.
Never lift using your back - Take note that you should lift using the strength from your legs and not from your back.
Hold the object close to your waist - As soon as you have a firm grip of the subject, ensure that it is tightly pushed towards your waist and keep your eyes on your route.
Be certain on your move during the lift - Prevent twisting or leaning as you lift, especially when your back is slightly bent. Rather than using your waist or back when turning, make use of your feet instead.
Never adjust the move during the lift - It is important that you don't do all things at once, like adjusting while on the move. To prevent accidents, make sure that you take a break and put the thing down first before adjusting your pace. Remember to bend your knees and avoid stooping when you put the thing down.
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