Manual Handling Principles | 5 Steps for Safer Lifting cover art

Manual Handling Principles | 5 Steps for Safer Lifting

Manual Handling Principles | 5 Steps for Safer Lifting

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 Manual Handling Principles | Intro Manual handling and lowering the risk of injury is not an exact science, every lift and every environment requires unique consideration. However, to avoid manual handling or musculo-skeletal injuries, performing a sufficient manual handling risk assessment and applying a few simple manual handling principles can help reduce risk. The 5 P's or 5 Manual Handling Principles to avoid injury that we refer to are summarised as follows;
  1. Plan - plan your lift adequately
  2. Position - centre the body & feet correctly
  3. Pick - lift item using good posture
  4. Proceed - move toward desired location
  5. Place - set object down safely
Watch our Manual Handling Training If you are interested in taking advantage of our free online Manual Handling course for yourself, your team or your business, you may benefit from watching our YouTube bitesize version of the training (without quizzes etc.). Watch our Manual Handling training right here.. https://youtu.be/KYSvGF94GzI

What do the principles of safer manual handling help you to do?

The key principles of manual handling help us to take a measured approach to transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. Using a step-by-step approach to planning manual handling activities, helps us determine the level of injury risk and allows us to implement suitable mitigation measures to reduce that risk to an acceptable level. Remember, it is best to try eliminating and reducing the manual handling required before you proceed. Let's move on to look at the 5 Manual Handling Principles, starting with number 1. PLAN. Manual Handling Principles | Related Products 5 Key Manual Handling Principles

1. Plan

The thing we all forget to do, which is perhaps most important, make a PLAN! Before you lift the object, you should trace the entire path of travel to the final location to make sure the entire way is clear for the load. Tripping over obstacles or having to put down the load midway are hazards that can easily be avoided. Just looking at an object can give you some idea of whether another team member or mechanical assistance will be needed to get the object from “point a” to “point b.” Many packing labels will specify weight, and the size and shape of the package can indicate if a truck or dolly will be necessary. Usually it's wise not to lift cumbersome or objects heavier than around 25kgs/55lbs (or less depending on your strength) without help. Use the Weight Guide opposite to help determine an acceptable weight distribution. Lifting and Lowering Weight Guide: HSE (UK) If there is no easy way to ascertain the weight of a load, a quick shove or nudge can indicate whether outside help will be needed. Know your limits, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. It is always preferable to lift and put down a heavy object close to the height at which it will be carried. Appropriately stage/prepare materials that must be moved, where possible to do so. You can check out our Manual Handling TILE post for more details on assessing your lift.

2. Position

Approach the load evenly, with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Move the center of your body as close as possible to its center before lowering yourself to lift the object. Get a Grip:
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