1. Plan and Assess the Load and Environment

Before attempting any lift or move:

• Evaluate the Load: Determine its weight, size, shape, and centre of gravity. Ask yourself if it’s safe to lift alone.
• Inspect the Environment: Look out for hazards like uneven floors, poor lighting, obstacles, or slippery surfaces.
• Plan the Route: Identify the safest path to move the load and note any potential challenges.

Taking these steps ensures you’re prepared and can decide if alternative methods or additional help is needed.

2. Use the Correct Lifting Technique

Proper body mechanics are crucial for minimizing injury:

• Bend Your Knees: Lower yourself by bending your knees, not your back.
• Keep a Straight Back: Maintain a neutral spine to avoid straining your muscles.
• Hold the Load Close: Keep the load near your body to reduce leverage and stress on your back.
• Lift with Your Legs: Use the strength of your legs to power the lift, not your back muscles.

This technique not only protects your spine but also sets a positive example for your team.

3. Utilise Mechanical Aids and Team Lifting

For heavy or awkward loads, don’t risk a solo lift:

• Mechanical Aids: Use trolleys, hoists, or lifting straps when available. These tools are designed to ease the physical burden.
• Team Lifting: When a load is too cumbersome, involve a colleague. Sharing the load can significantly reduce the strain on each individual.

Implementing these aids helps to safeguard employees and ensures that safety remains a priority.

4. Provide Regular Training and Refreshers

Knowledge is the cornerstone of safety:

• Initial Training: Ensure all employees receive comprehensive manual handling training.
• Refresher Courses: Regularly update skills and knowledge to keep up with new techniques and changing regulations.
• Hands-On Practice: Encourage practical sessions where employees can learn by doing, reinforcing proper techniques and safe practices.

Ongoing training fosters a culture of safety and ensures that everyone is well-equipped to handle everyday tasks safely.

5. Maintain an Ergonomic Workplace

Creating a supportive work environment is vital:

• Ergonomic Adjustments: Evaluate workstations and manual handling tasks to ensure they align with ergonomic principles. This might involve redesigning tasks or rearranging the workspace.
• Job Rotation: Rotate tasks among employees to prevent fatigue and repetitive strain injuries.
• Employee Feedback: Encourage staff to report hazards or suggest improvements. Involving your team in safety decisions creates a proactive and engaged work culture.

By implementing ergonomic improvements, you not only reduce the risk of injury but also enhance overall productivity and employee morale.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further advice on enhancing your manual handling practices, please get in touch with our team:

Email: info@acornstar.com
Phone: +353 (0) 45 890384

Thank you for reading our guide, your safety is our priority!

Turnkey Health and Safety Solutions

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