Manual handling is
any task in which the hands, or other parts of the body, are used
to manipulate items or loads, for example livestock, machinery or
hay bales, using actions such as pushing, pulling, lifting or
carrying.
Many people working in farming suffer
from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), usually back, neck and limb
pains, that are either caused or aggravated by poor manual handling
practice. Often, such problems build up over time rather than being
caused by a single event. Proper training of employees in good
manual handling practice is vital to help avoid these painful and
costly conditions. Anyone with symptoms of MSDs should report them
to their doctor without delay so that a treatment plan can be
implemented before the underlying causes lead to more serious
problems.
As an employer, you are required by law
to avoid, assess and reduce risk, in other words to find ways to
avoid manual handling wherever that is reasonably practicable,
assess the risks posed by any such tasks that cannot be avoided,
and take steps to reduce those risks.
Avoid
Always try to find methods or
systems that avoid the need for the movement of large or heavy
items and other manual handling tasks. Can the activity be moved
rather than the object? If movement of an object or substance
cannot be avoided, can it be mechanised by using, for example, a
conveyor belt or self-propelled trolley? Could materials be piped
to their point of use? Does equipment exist that would reduce the
manual nature of the task, such as a mechanical wheel handler to
change tractor wheels?
Assess
When assessing risks, it is
important to consider the position and movement of the body in
relation to the load. Handling loads with outstretched arms,
twisting the body, stooping down and reaching up can all put
excessive strain on the body. Other situations that can cause
problems include handling items that present a risk of sudden
movement, such as unrestrained livestock, items with sharp edges,
and working for prolonged periods with insufficient
rest.
Reduce
The risk of injury associated
with manual handling practices can be reduced by the use of lifting
aids such as hoists, handling aids such as wheelbarrows or sack
trucks, and specialist equipment such as back-aids for sheep
shearing. Make sure that mechanical aids and equipment are properly
maintained and suitable for the task and location. Risk of injury
can also be lowered by pushing rather than by pulling loads, by
using platforms that allow work to be carried out at the proper
height, and by splitting large loads into several smaller
parts.
The working environment can also be
made safer by providing well laid out routes, clean and uncluttered
floors with non-slip surfaces, avoiding steps and steep slopes,
good lighting and ensuring that employees use appropriate footwear
and clothing.
Lifting and handling
Always take time to plan before
beginning any manual handling operation. When lifting, remove
obstructions, ensure that you have a good hold, slightly bend your
back, hips and knees and keep your head up, keep the load as close
to your waist as possible, and avoid twisting or leaning sideways.
Never lift more than you can comfortably handle. Use lifting aids
where available.
Handling devices such as wheelbarrows
and trolleys should have wheels that run smoothly and handles at a
level between waist and shoulder height. Wherever possible, loads
should be moved by pushing rather than by pulling. Particular care
should be taken on slopes and uneven surfaces. When pushing or
pulling, keep your feet well away from the load and travel no
faster than normal walking pace.
Useful links:
Getting to grips with manual handling (HSE)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf
Manual handling solutions for farms (HSE)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/as23.pdf
Musculoskeletal disorders (HSE)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: Guidance on
regulations (HSE)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l23.pdf