MANUAL HANDLING OF MATERIALS

A TRAINING FOR THE

METALWORKING INDUSTRIES

Updated on June 2015

Table of Contents
Introduction

Risk management on manual handling

Hazards associated with manual handling

Common injuries & occupational diseases

Proper manual handling methodology

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Job design to prevent injuries

Case study
Introduction

Manual handling is a common activity in most workplaces

It includes lifting, lowering, pulling, pushing, carrying,

moving, holding or restraining an object

Injuries and musculoskeletal disorders affect the back, neck,

shoulder, arms & hands

It can be prevented through a systemic approach of

identification, assessment and control of risks associated with
manual handling.
Occupational Diseases in Singapore

Source: Ministry of Manpower

Risk Management on Manual Handling

Required to manage risks under WSH (Risk

Management) regulations

Assess the risk

Take all reasonably practical steps

Eliminate any risks

Risk Management on Manual Handling

Step 1: Identification of hazard

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Risk Management on Manual Handling

Step 2: Assess the risk

Dependent on severity of risk and likelihood of hazards

occurring

severity X likelihood = risk level

Risk Level = Low, Moderate or High

 Risk Management on Manual Handling

Rare Remote Occasional Frequent Almost

(1) (2) (3) (4) Certain
(5)

Catastrophic (A) Medium Medium High High High

Major (B) Medium Medium Medium High High

Moderate (C) Low Medium Medium Medium High

Minor (D) Low Medium Medium Medium Medium

Negligible (E) Low Low Low Medium Medium

Risk Management on Manual Handling

Step 3: Select Measures to Control and Reduce Risk

Based on hierarchy of hazards control

1st Remove the hazard

2nd Guard the remaining hazards

3rd Mitigate impact of hazard

Risk Management on Manual Handling
Hazards Associated with Manual Handling -
Heavy

Lifting over 25kg load can result in back injury

Picture source: http://www.masterlift.ie/images/HealthAndSaftey/HandS.jpg

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling -
Heavy
Hazards Associated with Manual Handling -
Sharp

Potential Cuts on the fingers

Hazards Associated with Manual Handling
Odd shapes

Absence of grip to hold the load

Obstruction of walking view

Picture source: http://make-a-box.com

Picture source: http://www.fork-lift-trucks.info
Hazards Associated with Manual Handling
Toxic substances

Skin exposure to chemicals

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Coolant

Lubricants
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Hazards Associated with Manual Handling
Toxic substances

Exposure to chemical dust, fumes & vapours

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Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Neck Strain

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Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Wrist Sprains Back Sprains

Picture source: http://athleticscholarships.net/back%20pain.jpg

Picture source: http://www.drfoot.co.uk/pictures/wrist.jpg

Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Shoulder pain Upper back pain

Picture source: http://www.gotosee.co.uk

Picture source: http://medicineworld.org

Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Slips, trips and fall

Picture source: http://www.istockphoto.com

Picture source: http://www.greenbergmassarelli.com/Images/slip_fall.jpg
Common Injuries From Manual Handling

Cuts

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Picture source: http://www.thealmightyguru.com/Boffer/Images/FA-MinorCut.jpg
Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

Skin dermatitis

Picture source: http://www.osh.govt.nz

Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

Skin dermatitis

Picture source: http://www.ascc.gov.au

Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

Occupational respiratory & lung diseases

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Picture source: http://myweb.lsbu.ac.uk/dirt/museum/simon/68-776-gse15.jpg
Health Hazards Resulting From Chemical
Handling

Occupational eye diseases

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Proper Manual Handling - Individual

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR BACK STRAIGHT WHILE LIFTING

Step 1: Hold the Step 2: Keep the Step 3: Lift the Step 4: Ensure your
load firmly load close to you load by pushing legs are stable
up your leg before moving off
Proper Manual Handling - Individual

Lifting aids
Proper Manual Handling - Individual

Lifting aids
Proper Manual Handling - Individual

Lifting aids
Proper Manual Handling Team

Team/buddy lifting

Picture source: www.fork-lift-trucks.info

Proper Manual Handling Team

Team/buddy lifting

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Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Are there any sharp or point edges?

Is it enough to prevent injuries or occupational diseases?

Does the PPE fit you correctly?

Does the PPE wear out easily?

Is it based on chemical properties of the substance?

Does it minimize contact with chemicals?

Is it easy to clean and maintain?

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Safety boots

Protective gloves

Helmets

Working apron or overalls

Goggles or safety glasses

Face mask or respirators

Picture source: http://www.osha.gov

Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Safety boots

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk

Picture source: http://www.veganline.com/safety-boot-big.jpg
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Protective gloves

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk

Picture source: http://www.dkimages.com
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Helmets

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk

Picture source: http://myweb.datahalland.se/w-15080/admin/picture/20050919154156.jpg
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Working apron or safety overalls

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk

Picture source: http://www.anzic-int.com
Picture source: http://www.dashackoutdoors.com
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Goggles or safety glasses

Picture source: http://www.hse.gov.uk

Picture source: http://teachertech.rice.edu
Picture source: http://www.wintex.ca/english/Images/PPE026b.gif
Selection of PPE for Manual Handling

Face mask or respirator

Picture source: http://www.ammex.com

Picture source: http://www.shingleberrysigns.com
Picture source: http://www.toolrage.com
Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

Team handling for heavy or odd shape loads

Breaks to reduce muscular fatigue

Handlers job rotation between heavy and light activities

Rearrange workplace to reduce twisting, stretching &

stooping
Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

Keep heavy loads around waist level

Use of mechanical handling aid

Package heavy materials into smaller container

Picture source: http://www.osha.gov

Picture source: CP 92 : 2002
Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

Provide handles, hand grips or indents for loads

Loads to be free from dust, oil, corrosive deposits, sharp

corners, jagged edges or rough surfaces

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Picture source : http://www.powerwheel-usa.com

Indents & Handles

Job Designs to Prevent Manual Handling
Injuries

Provide secondary containment for chemicals

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Picture source : http://www.fuelproof.co.uk
Case Study

The Case of Peter

Peter injured his back while moving some large drums. He has previously
suffered from back problems but felt that it was under control. His doctor had
advised him not to lift anything above 20 kg but he had not passed this
information to his boss.

The injury was serious enough to land Peter in the hospital. Subsequently Peter
was diagnosed with a torn disk. Peter admitted the drums were heavy, but
wanted to have the job done.

What should Peter have done?

Picture source : http://education.qld.gov.au/health/injury/casestudy.html

Summary of Key Points

Hazards from manual handling

Common injuries and occupational diseases

Proper manual handling methods

Use of PPE

Job designs to prevent manual handling injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries and
Occupational diseases
is preventable

Be proactive: it is up to US to
prevent it
Thank You
References:

1. CP 92: 2002 Code of Practice for Manual Handling

2. Ministry of Manpower Guidelines for Manual Handling

3. SS 437 : 1999 Part 2 : Specification for personal eye-protectors

part 2 : selection, use and maintenance

4. SS 513 : 2005 Part 1 : Personal protective equipment footwear.

Part 1: Safety footwear

5. CP 74 : 1998 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory

protection devices
Appendix 1
Appendix 1
Appendix 1