|
|
The Dangers Of Lifting In The Workplace And The Importance Of
Correct Training On Manual Handling. |
By:
Graham J R Baylis |
|
|
Back Related Problems Effect 1.2 million workers per
year!
It's a fact, over 1 million workers have back related problems
in the UK, and that means many millions of working days are lost
to business every year. The costs don't end there though, as
apart from the lost production, employers these days are facing
the an increasing number of law suits and claims from their
employees, alleging that it was their work that caused their
back problem, each one with the potential of costing many
£1,000's of pounds.
25% of reportable injuries in the work place are caused by
incorrect manual handling.
With more than 25 percent of all reportable injuries in the work
place being caused by incorrect manual handling procedures and
with an average of 11 working days being lost per injury, this
area is one that requires careful consideration, especially when
in the UK the total costs of such injuries to employers is
estimated at £335 million pounds...
Training required for all staff whose duties include any
lifting
Training is therefore required for all staff who have to lift
heavy or awkward items as a part of their everyday duties.
Remember too that many manual handling injuries build up over a
period of time, so even occasional lifting work should be
considered if it is regular enough. Employers are being urged to
make sure that their staff are armed with the right knowledge in
order that their health and welfare are protected, in short to
train their staff. The answer for employers is indeed as simple
as that, for if they provide staff with the correct training and
equipment, the likelihood of any injuries is reduced, and
importantly (for the employers) the risks of any injuries claims
are reduced.
Manual Handling - Definitions and Official
Guidelines
Manual handling is interpreted as "any transporters or
supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down,
pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by
bodily force." The regulations on this subject also says "Avoid
manual handling operations which involve a risk of injury, so
far as is reasonably practicable." Which really means that you
need to check if there is a need to move the object in the first
place. Finally, where such handling is required, you must first
"Assess all such operations which cannot be avoided" and then
"Take steps to reduce the risk of injury during those operations
to the lowest reasonably practicable." In many instances, this
means considering mechanical assistance (in office environments
this will often mean trolleys or other simple carrying
equipment), but what ever is done it is the duty of the employer
to make the assessment.
The Risk Assessment and How Employees can Help
In an office environment a 'generic' assessment is usually
acceptable (unless there are specific and routine risks to
consider) but whatever, employees can often help employers carry
out the assessment - they often know what problems there are and
how best to address them. Problems will be typically based upon
weight of loads, strains twisting or contortion of the body. The
environment around them and the route of carriage is also an
issue. It is advisable that assessments are recorded (generic
formats are widely available) in all cases as this will assist
the employer in answering any case if an accident does occur.
Training - One of the Major Ways Injuries Can be
Avoided
The employer's assessment often concludes that one of the steps
required to reduce the risk of manual handling is to train
office staff in the safe handling of loads. Guidance to office
staff can be afforded by training and/or by posters. These can
indicate how to recognise harmful manual handling, appropriate
systems of work, use of mechanical aids, good handling
technique. Remember Training is important but on its own, it
can't overcome unsuitable loads and poor working conditions.
Employees' manual handling duties in the office
environment
- Follow written/trained work procedures provided for their
safety
- Always use equipment provided for their safety " Work with
their employer on health and safety matters
- Inform the employer if they identify hazardous handling
activities
- Ensure that their activities do not put others at risk
Training Available on DVD / Video
Training staff however can be expensive, especially if such
training is off site. Being aware that such training is
important, but also recognising that employers have businesses
to run, one company (The Office Safety Company) has produced a
video / dvd based training package so that all the training can
be done in office, thus really meeting the needs of businesses
today. Consistently one of their three best selling titles, the
Manual Handling package has recently been almost completely
re-shot and is presented by Kathy Tayler.
This training package covers the correct lifting procedures and
clearly outlines how to avoid injuries and increase the safety
level within the workplace. The most common causes of manual
handling injuries are identified and the solutions shown. This
package could really be a godsend for businesses today and
certainly fills the gap in this all important area of training.
The content of this manual handing training package deals with
real solutions that employees can relate to in their everyday
life and information to help reduce the amount of lost time and
absenteeism at work and minimise risk of injury claims.
Manual Handling - The Facts is a must for every company,
running time 12 minutes. Comes complete with Manual Handling
training booklet and assessment forms. For your copy, visit
www.officesafety.co.uk and purchase your copy on line, or call
Office Safety 0871 200 3438
|
|
Article Source: http://www.friendsofvista.org/articles/article26299.html |
|
|
|
|
|
