Log 5 - Manual Handling & Lifting Equipment
Nearly all profesions involve some form of manual handling wether it be lifting, pulling, pushing or carrying different objects. The document states that 54 million working days are lost each year due to pain, strain and injuries to the back (with more than a third of all over-three-day injuries reported to the health and safety executive every year).

The risks associated with manual handling are as follows:
- Injuries to the back
- Injuries to the shoulders
- Injuries to the neck
- Injuries to the hands
- Injuries to the arms
- Injuries to the feet
These risks can be caused by any of the following: Moving heavy/awkward loads, lifting in an area where the space the person has to move is restricted or enclosed, carrying loads up and down sets of stairs and finaly if the person lifting moves awkwardly, for example by reaching, stooping or twisting.

To best avoid injury when carrying out manual handling activities it is important for empolyers and employyes to follow these steps:
Step 1 - Think about all the activities within the workplace which require staff to move materials and decide if the manual handling is actually necessary. For example could trolleys, hoists, chutes, roll cages, lift trucks or any other lifting aids be used to help.
Step 2 - If the manual handling can not be avoided then the risks associated with each task must be considered.
Step 3 - With regard to the load think about the following:
Is it heavy? If so consider breaking up in to more managable chunks.
Is it hard to grasp or could the weight shift during movement? If so consider placing the load in a container.
Is it awkward? If so consider using a trolley or asking another college to help.
Step 4 - With regard to the task think about the following:
Does it involve twisting, reaching or stooping? If so consider putting the heaviest items on the bottom of the shelve or use stepladders and/or platforms to gain safer access to the higher shelves.
Does it involve carying for extended periods of time? If so consider using a trolley/powered truck. Rearanging the layout of the work area so that items are stored very close to where they are to be used.
Does it involve repetitive movement? If so consider performing another task that use different muscle groups. This will allow the other muscles to rest while others work.
Step 5 - With regard to the working environment think about the folowing:
Are there steps or ramps? Consider performing a two person lift or use converyor belts, hoists or chutes.
Ensure that the lighting levels in the workplace are sufficiant.
Are there obstructions? Consider removing these obstructions so that there are no trip hazards. when people are carrying items they are more focused on the task, not looking for items they could accidently trip on.

When performing any manual handing it is important to follow this safe lifting technique in order to avoid injury to yourself and/or others:
Stop & Think
- Do I need any help?
- Where am I carrying the load to?
- Are there any aids I can use to make it easier/safer for me?
The Lift
- Keep your feet apart
- Leading leg forward
- Bend your knees
- Keep your back straight
- Keep the load close to your body
- Lean forward slightly to improve grip
- Keep your sholders level
- If you need to adjust how you are holding the load put it down first
Don't
- Jerk
- Overstretch
- Twist
- Lift any load you find too heavy

This image shows the correct lifting technique. Bending the knees and keeping a straight back.

Within the Airbus factory where there are items considered too heavy to use for extended periods of time, counter ballance rigs are used to support the weight of the item. The rigs are callibrated to the weight of the item so that the support it in front of you, the item can still be moved around freely however if it dropped will stick in place This is useful when working in areas where there is a small amount of room. Ballancers make the job easier, faster and let the operator work for longer.

This photograph was taken in the A380 calibration center. The staff in this section have to calibrate a range of tools all day so these ballancers make their job a lot easier and safer for them.

* Find out what process is followed to lift items too heavy to manually lift.

Image References:
http://drhassard.com/back-to-work-lifting-tips-for-a-safe-workplace/