This case highlights the importance of conducting a manual handling task risk assessment and giving employees proper manual handling training to prevent workplace injuries. Had the correct risk assessment procedures been followed, it would have been more than likely that this manual handling task would have been postponed due to the adverse weather conditions which heightened the risk level (including cold temperatures, howling wind, and driving rain which caused dangerous working conditions, including a wet, slippery floor). In any event, Ben should have received comprehensive training in manual handling techniques, as well as the correct personal protective equipment (PPE), including appropriate heavy-weight, non-slip construction footwear. This case highlights the importance of employers providing their employees with adequate supervisory support (risk assessment), as well as appropriate safety training relevant to the tasks in hand. This would have included a task/load/environment/individual capability risk assessment, as well as practical skills training in manual handling. Ben’s experience also highlights the importance of employers making sure their employees are equipped with the appropriate PPE to minimise the risk of injury.

For any organisation, the costs associated with manual handling injuries can be significant. These costs include the direct fee of the medical treatment required, time off work for the affected employee, and indirect costs like lost productivity and reduced morale. Implementing proper risk assessment and practical skills training in manual handling can help to reduce the risk of injury and the associated outlay it can entail.

The four factors associated with the risk of manual handling and lifting-related injuries include:

The load being lifted or carried can increase or decrease the risk of injury that can be caused by manual handling. Unsafe lifting and handling practices can increase the physical demands of the task and make it more challenging to maintain proper body mechanics. This directly increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Factors to keep in mind for safe manual handling and lifting practices include:

• Weight of the load:
  If the object is too heavy for a worker, it will be difficult for them to carry and is more likely to cause injury.
•  Characteristics of the load:
  o Awkwardly shaped objects are hard to grasp and slip easily.
  o Loads containing liquids frequently shift their centre of balance, making them extremely difficult to carry.
  o Items with sharp edges can cause harm if they collide with other workers or objects.
  o Large loads require the worker to use a firm grip, making it difficult to produce adequate force to lift them.
• Location of the load:
  Objects placed in awkward locations will affect the person’s ability to push, pull, lift, or carry them. For example, an object kept at a height that is difficult to reach increases the worker’s vulnerability to injury, making it much more likely that they will hurt themselves.

The nature of the industry and the task at hand may make manual handling injuries more likely. For example, the risk of a construction worker or a worker at a demolition site experiencing a manual handling-related injury is higher than someone working in a corporate office.

Some factors to keep in mind in this context include:

• If the task is repetitive or of long duration, it can become extremely demanding for a worker. In this case, careful management to provide workers with sufficient rest and recovery time becomes essential.

• This includes working in a fixed posture over an extended period and performing tasks in awkward positions. For example, crouching while performing maintenance work on machinery or twisting whilst picking items off a conveyor belt.

• A poorly designed workspace, faulty planning, and cramped areas can all cause potential collisions while carrying loads.
• Moreover, exposure to hot and cold temperatures can lead to exhaustion of workers and may also affect their ability to grip, making them more prone to injury.
• Therefore, by designing tasks, equipment, and workspaces to fit the physical capability of the workers, it is possible to lower the risk of injury and improve the overall efficiency and safety of the working environment.
• Employers are responsible for providing ergonomic interventions like adjusting the height of work surfaces, providing mechanical aids to assist with heavy lifting, and holding training to develop safe lifting techniques that reduce the risk of injuries.

• Certain characteristics of the individual employee can influence the risk of injuries. E.g., familiarity with the job and experience doing a certain type of work, age, fitness levels, and training completed.

Safe lifting techniques require you to ask yourself two fundamental questions to prevent an injury. These include:

1. What should I take into account while lifting?
   • Before lifting, it’s important to look at one’s training, individual capability, the load that needs moving, and the overall working conditions.
2. What can I do to reduce my risk of getting injured?
   • As far as possible, avoid twisting, stooping, and reaching to floor level or above shoulder height to lift objects (especially heavy loads).
   • Determine how to minimise the carrying distance – ask for help as and when needed.
   • In case of heavier loads, if possible, break the load down into smaller, lighter components that are easier to carry.

By following the principles of good lifting and handling techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury and perform manual handling tasks safely.

• Remember, there is a difference between what you can lift and what you can lift safely. When in doubt, seek advice or ask for help.
• Before lifting an object, plan the route and clear all obstacles that might be in the way.
• Ensure a good grip using both hands. Make the load as stable and secure as possible.

• Keeping the heaviest side of the load close to your body reduces the strain on your muscles and helps maintain a good balance.
• If you can’t get close to the load, you can try sliding it towards your body before you attempt to lift it.

• Try to lift with your legs, not your back.
• Bend your knees and keep your back straight as you lift to reduce the strain on your back muscles.
• Avoid flexing your back while lifting. This usually happens if you begin to straighten your legs before you start to raise the load off the ground.

• Instead of twisting while lifting or carrying an object, turn your feet to change direction.
• Keep your shoulders level and face in the same direction as your hips.
• Look ahead and not down at the load once you develop a secure hold.

• Instead of reaching out and unnecessarily stretching, move closer to the object or use a mechanical aid to help move it.

• Keep your feet apart (with one leg in front of the other) to increase stability.
• Use proper body mechanics to lift the object – your back must be straight and your knees bent whenever you’re lifting anything.
• Instability can be caused by tight clothing or unsuitable footwear – make sure to avoid these and dress with practicality in mind.

• Do not make jerky, abrupt movements, as this can make it hard to maintain control, increasing your risk of injury.
• If necessary, put the weight down and adjust it before trying again.

• Whilst repeatedly handling heavy objects, taking breaks to rest and stretch is extremely important.

• As and when needed, use gloves, back supports, and other gear to reduce the risk of injury.
• If available, you can also use mechanical aids like trolleys, dollies, and forklift trucks to reduce the risk of injury (although you must receive the appropriate training in these beforehand).

• If you experience pain or discomfort while lifting and handling, report it to your supervisor and seek medical attention.

• Following safety guidelines and procedures is extremely important while lifting and manual handling.
• If you are unsure about performing manual handling tasks safely, seek training from a supervisor or a qualified trainer.