Manual Handling

For GJK Facility Services, keeping all staff updated with OH & S developments is an integral part of risk management and ensuring employee safety. Areas which need to be regularly revisited are the daily risks which may be encountered by day and night cleaning crews.

One constant risk which management must ensure cleaning staff are addressing effectively is Manual Handling – any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object. It includes repetitive tasks such as packing, typing, assembling, cleaning and sorting, using hand tools, and operating machinery and equipment.

GJK regularly assess and control manual handling tasks to prevent manual handling incidents/accidents within the workplace and require employees to cooperate with actions identified. Unsafe manual handling may cause a variety of injuries and conditions including: muscle sprains and strains; injuries to muscles, ligaments, and other structures in the back; injuries to soft tissue such as nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs; abdominal hernias; and chronic pain.

One common cause of injury in manual handling is performing a lift incorrectly without taking time to safely plan, perform, and set down the object.

Here are some techniques for ensuring you safeguard yourself from injury.

Plan the Lift

• Try to break down the load into smaller parts.
• Check the pathway for any obstacles and clear these. Check if any doors need to be opened.
• Test the weight of the load by lifting one corner – if it is too heavy or awkward, stop and request help

Performing the Lift

• Stand with feet shoulder width apart and in a staggered stance
• Move in close to the load
• Bend your knees, keep your head upright and maintain the spine’s natural curves
• Pull the load close to your body
• Secure your grip
• Use a smooth controlled motion to lift the load
• Avoid twisting or turning your body when lifting and be sure to use your feet to change direction

Setting the Load Down

• Stand with your feet apart and in a staggered stance
• Get as close as possible to the area you will place the load
• Bend your knees, keep your head upright and maintain the spine’s natural curves
• Keep the load close
• Once the load is where you want it release your grip. Always ensure that the load is secured before you release your grip

Some information on Manual Handling taken from www.worksafe.vic.gov.au

For more information on GJK Facility Services please visit their website.

For information on how WSMenterprise can help manage your OH & S issues please click here.