Manual Handling Operations Safety Resources

Manual handling operation defined
Manual handling operations include moving or supporting a load by a person's hands, arms or other parts of the body.

Responsible person to make preliminary assessment of risks
The Regulation requires the person responsible for a work place to make a preliminary assessment of the risks to the safety and health of employees who need to undertake manual handling operations.
The assessment needs to be reviewed periodically to see if there has been any changes in conditions.

Responsible person to avoid need to undertake certain manual handling operations
If certain manual handling operations are identified in the preliminary assessment that may create safety and health risks, appropriate measures should be taken to avoid the need for employees to undertake such operations. This can be achieved by redesigning the work or by means of mechanical aids etc.

Responsible person to make further assessment of risks and implement appropriate safety measures to reduce risks
If it is considered not reasonably practicable to avoid the kinds of manual handling operations as mentioned above, a "further assessment" has to be made of the risks involved.
Appropriate measures have to be established and implemented to reduce the risks for those operations to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable. The measures include provision of relevant information to employees, provision of appropriate mechanical aids and protective equipment, team work etc.

Responsible person to keep record of assessments
The assessments and safety measures mentioned above have to be recorded in appropriate formats. Such records have to be kept for at least 3 years and have to be available for inspection by inspectors (now referred to as "occupational safety officers) from the Labour Department.

Responsible person to appoint assistants
If 10 or more employees are normally employed at a workplace at any one time to undertake manual handling operations which may create safety and health risks, responsible person must appoint appropriate number of competent persons (by way of training) to assist in carrying out necessary preventive and protective measure with respect to those manual handling operations.

Allocation of work tasks to employees
When allocating work tasks relating to manual handling operations which may create safety and health risks, the employees concerned must be assessed of their capabilities in performing such tasks.

Provision of training to employees concerned
Employees have to be provided with such training as will be necessary for avoiding or minimizing their risks when they are undertaking manual handling operations which may create safety and health risks.

Employees at work to take care of others and to co-operate with employer
Finally, employees also have the responsibility in cooperating with their employer by using any mechanical aid or protective equipment, or taking appropriate safety measures established by the employer. Employees also have the responsibility to take reasonable care for the safety and health of other persons in the workplace.

HSEO has been providing guidance and training in preventing injuries caused by manual handling operations. However, there are additional efforts to be made in order to meet the exact requirements in the OSHR, such as risk assessments efforts. HSEO will be coordinating these efforts and work with the units (through respective departmental safety officers) concerned.

By definition, manual handling operations can mean virtually any operations that require physical efforts, in all kinds of working environment, including the office environment. However, certain manual handling operations, when carried out under certain unfavorable conditions, will have a higher risk in causing injuries.

In assessing the risk of a particular manual handling operation, we need to consider various factors in relation to :

• the loads to be handled,
• the actions and postures adopted by the person,
• the working environment for the operation, and
• the ability and characteristics of the person carrying out the operation.

Weight

The risk of injury becomes higher as the weight of the load increases. Using overseas standards, no single person should be required to lift, lower or carry loads over 55 kg without mechanical aids. Occasionally, loads over 55kg may be moved, but not lift, e.g. rolling a heavy drum.

"Generally, no worker should lift, lower, or carry loads above 55kg, unless mechanical assistance or team lifting arrangements are provided to lower the risk of injury.

Handling objects above this weight is very likely to result in injury. The weight of loads which are manually handled should be kept below 16-20kg wherever possible." (taken from: Safety Link, Workplace Health and Safety)

Shape and Size

When the size of the load is large, its center of gravity will be farther away from the human body (also the spine), resulting in a larger bending moment. The ability in holding a load will also be reduced when the arms are wide apart, i.e. when holding a "wide" load. By overseas standards, there will be an increased risk when the load is wider than 50 cm.

Objects with awkward shapes can also affect the way they can be handled.

Furthermore, a large load may also block the view of the person carrying it, and hence increase the risk of the person tripping.

Surface Characteristics

Objects will smooth, slippery, greasy or wet surfaces will be more difficult to grip, especially for large objects or objects without properly designed handholds. Extra grip strength will be needed to hold the load, and will increase the chance of the load being dropped.

Objects with rough surfaces or sharp edges will, on the other hand, easily cause injuries, such as cuts and abrasion.

Weight distribution

Loads with center of gravity on one side will cause uneven muscular strain. This is especially dangerous if the heavier part cannot be carried close to the body.

Loads with shifting contents, e.g. drums half filled with liquid, can make control difficult. This may lead to sudden additional body stresses for which the person may not be fully prepared.

Handling persons who cannot assist (e.g. sick or unconscious) or are uncooperative, will also increase the risk of injury. Live animals being lifted or restrained may suddenly move or pull away, placing extra stress on the spine.

Holding loads away from the trunk

The risk of injury increases when the load is held further away from the front of the body due to the larger bending moment at the spine.

Handling a load above shoulder height or reaching upward

The back is arched and the arms are acting as long levers when the load is held above the shoulder height, or when reaching upward, e.g. when putting or retrieving loads (or files) on or from high shelves. Furthermore, lowering loads from above shoulder level to a level below mid-thigh height may require a change of grip.

Bending forward and handling loads below mid-thigh level

This is an obvious hazard and can easily cause injury to the lower back.

Twisting movements

The spine is least able to take the stress caused by excessive twisting in repeated movements or prolonged posture. The combination of twisting and bending forward in handling loads will exacerbate the risk even further.

Sideways bending of the spine

Lifting and carrying loads with one hand will place more stress on one side of the spine.

Long Carrying Distance

Carrying a load for an excessive distance increases muscle fatigue.

Strenuous pushing and pulling

Pushing or pulling heavy objects may cause the spine to flex. Sudden movement of the load may cause the person to lose balance and cause the spine to flex with tremendous force.

Pushing and pulling across the front of the body is even worse as it puts a twisting strain on the spine which can lead to an increased risk of injury.

Sudden or Jerky Movements

Sudden or jerky movements can put unexpected loads on the spine.

Constraints on posture

There may be situations where the posture of the person carrying out manual handling operations is restricted, e.g. restricted head room will certainly promote a stooping posture, obstructions may increase the need for twisting , leaning or bending over. Narrow passage ways will hinder maneuvering of bulky loads.

Rough or slippery floors

The risk of injury increases with the greater degrees of floor slipperiness or unevenness.

Variations in levels

The presence of steps or steep slopes adds to the difficulty of movement when handling loads, particularly when the load obstructs the view of the person. The need to move loads up or down ladders imposes an even higher risk.

Adverse Climatic Conditions

Temperature and humidity extremes may also increase the risk of injury.

Lighting Conditions

Low levels of light or high contrast between areas of bright light and deep shadows can increase the risk of tripping. Concentration on the task may be reduced.

Young Persons

Young workers (under the age of 18) are at greater risk than adult workers as they are still developing physically and their spine and other joints can more easily be damaged.

Pregnant Women

They are more susceptible to injury when handling loads for various reasons. Care should also be taken for them who may handle loads following a return to work during the three months after childbirth.

Persons recovering from injuries

Persons returning to work after injury may not be able to perform at their normal level of work.

Inappropriate Clothing

Tight clothing that restricts movement may adversely affect manual handling technique. When personal protective equipment must be worn, its adverse effects on the manual handling tasks should also be considered. For example, gloves may reduce the ability to grip loads firmly.