Reasons For Ensuring Safe Manual Handling In The Workplace.

Introduction

Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries. These include work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts.

What Is The Definition Of Manual Handling

The term manual handling covers a wide variety of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying. If any of these tasks are not carried out appropriately there is a risk of injury. The Regulations define manual handling as: “any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force“.

Why Is Safe Manual Handling Important?

Manual handling injuries can have serious implications for the employer and the person who has been injured. They can occur almost anywhere in the workplace and heavy manual labour, awkward postures, repetitive movements of arms, legs and back or previous/existing injury can increase the risk. Safe manual handling helps to prevent and reduce the risk of ill health and injury to self or others.

Business Costs Of Poor Manual Handling

• Sick pay
• Lost productivity 
• Damaged reputation
• Legal action
• Training & Recruitment Costs
• Fines
• Damage to Property
• Loss of earnings
• Claims for Compensation
• Higher Insurance Premiums
• Lack of Motivation
• Reputational Damage

Human Costs Of Poor Manual Handling 

• Death
• Pain & Suffering
• Injury 
• Ill health
• Lost earnings