Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects, are integral to many workplaces. However, improper techniques can lead to injuries, particularly back problems, which are a leading cause of absenteeism in the UK. To safeguard your workforce, it’s essential to understand common manual handling mistakes and how to prevent them.
1. Poor Lifting Technique
One of the most common mistakes is improper lifting. Employees often bend at the waist, round their backs, and rely on their back muscles to lift heavy loads, putting undue strain on the spine.
How to Avoid It:
- Always bend at the hips and knees, keeping your back straight and maintaining its natural curve.
- Hold the load close to your body to maintain balance and reduce strain.
- Use your legs to power the lift, not your back.
- Avoid twisting while lifting; instead, pivot with your feet.
2. Holding the Load Incorrectly
People often grip loads in awkward or unstable ways, such as holding them too far from the body or not using both hands. This increases the risk of dropping the object or straining muscles.
How to Avoid It:
- Ensure a firm grip with both hands.
- Keep the load as close to your body as possible to reduce strain.
- Adjust your grip before lifting if necessary to ensure stability.
- Ask for help if you are struggling to handle the item.
3. Overestimating Your Strength
Overconfidence in physical ability often leads to employees attempting to lift loads beyond their capacity, resulting in strains or serious injuries.
How to Avoid It:
- Assess the weight and size of the load before lifting.
- If the load is too heavy or awkward, ask for help or use mechanical aids like trolleys or forklifts.
- Recognise your physical limits and prioritise safety over speed.
- If something is too heavy and beyond your limits – ask for help, do not try and move the item as this may result in aches and pains down the line.
4. Rushing Through Tasks
Hurrying to complete manual handling tasks often leads to improper lifting techniques, collisions, or dropped loads.
How to Avoid It:
- Take your time and work at a steady pace.
- Focus on maintaining proper lifting techniques rather than rushing.
- Allocate sufficient time to complete tasks safely.
5. Inadequate Training
A lack of proper training is a significant cause of manual handling injuries. Employees who are unaware of safe lifting techniques or how to use equipment correctly are at greater risk.
How to Avoid It:
- Provide comprehensive manual handling training for all staff involved in such tasks.
- Ensure training includes lifting techniques, equipment use, and hazard identification.
- 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy offer 2 core manual handling courses nationwide these include:
- The inanimate object course: Designed for your everyday industries, factories, offices, supermarkets etc. Where your staff would be expected to move and lift products from various heights.
- The moving and handling of people course: Is primarily tailored for care homes, hospitals, and schools. This course equips your staff with the skills to safeguard both themselves and the individuals being moved, reducing the risk of injuries. They also address the legal requirements for handling people in different settings.
The role of training in injury prevention:
At 1st Choice, we offer tailored manual handling courses nationwide, designed to equip employees with the knowledge and skills to handle loads safely. Our training covers everything from lifting inanimate objects to safely moving people in care settings. All courses comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, ensuring your team is well-prepared and protected.
Investing in training not only reduces absenteeism and workplace injuries but also boosts employee confidence and productivity. Protect your team by prioritizing their health and safety—because prevention is always better than cure.
Explore our Manual Handling Training Courses today and create a safer, healthier workplace. For more information, get in contact with our friendly and informative team.
