Connacht
Safety
School
Safety
is Our Business
Manual handling means
more than just lifting or carrying something. The term ‘manual handling’
is used to describe a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing,
pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object, animal or person.
It also covers activities which require the use of force or effort such as
pulling a lever, or operating power tools.
What's The Problem?
Up to one third of all work injuries in Ireland occur during manual handling.
In 2000, 35% of the accidents reported to the Health and Safety Authority
were injuries resulting from manual handling activity. Most of the reported
accidents involving manual handling tasks cause back injury although hands
arms and feet are also vulnerable. Sometimes the person injured never fully
recovers or requires a long period of rehabilitation before they are able
to work again.
What needs to be done?
Employers
Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace
for all employees. Employers should carry out a risk assessment and provide
training in all tasks in the workplace which involve manual handling and should
identify any risk or likelihood of injury. Where there is a risk of injury,
suitable "control measures" must be introduced. Control measures
need to be suitable and practical.
Employees
As an employee, if you are aware of anything in your workplace which could
be a manual handling risk, you should discuss it with your manager or supervisor
and try to find the best way of eliminating or reducing it. Also talk to your
health and safety representative or notify your health and safety committee
if your workplace has one.
How
I can help...
Employers & Employees
We provide a half day course dealing with all aspects of manual handling tailored
to your unique working environment. Our instructors while on your site will
look at any risks that may involved for your employees.
Duration: 4 hours.
Certificate: Valid for 3 years.