Manual Materials Handling

To reduce injuries, a preventive program is necessary

 

Over the years, back injuries consistently make up about 25% of all the lost-time injuries in Ontario construction.

The main cause of these injuries is manual materials handling. Workers lifting and carrying equipment or materials can be injured when they use improper techniques, twist repeatedly, stand in awkward positions, or try to handle heavy loads without help.

Back injuries also result from slips, trips, and falls caused by bad weather or poor housekeeping.

To reduce back injuries on the job, a preventive program is necessary, covering factors such as proper lifting techniques, workplace posture, ergonomics, and warm-up exercises before work. These topics are explained in the book Back Care and Manual Materials Handling in Construction (M017), available from CSAO.

Housekeeping

Improved housekeeping can reduce injuries during manual materials handling.

Debris and clutter accumulate quickly in construction. Failure to keep work and travel areas clear can impede the handling of materials and increase the risk of injury.

One effect is to prohibit the operation of mechanical materials handling equipment. As a result, more material is handled manually, creating greater risk of back and other injuries.

Part of housekeeping is well-planned storage. When storage locations are not designated, material tends to get dumped anywhere. Sooner or later the material has to be moved elsewhere, often by hand and in a rush. Again, this increases the risk of back injury.

Management should designate storage areas, arrange for bins and disposal, put housekeeping provisions in contracts, and ensure that subcontractors meet storage and clean-up requirements.

Clean-up should take place

• at the end of each work day or shift
• when trades finish one job and are ready to move on to another area
• when workers or crew change
• when scrap and clutter start to impede work progress and material flow.

Finally, plans for housekeeping should cover not only storage, garbage disposal, and clear work and travel areas but also materials handling equipment to minimize the need for manual handling in the first place.

Lifting

When mechanical help is not available to lift material, the first step is to size up the load and, if necessary, ask a fellow worker for help.

Some basic steps are required for manual lifting.

• Make sure your path is clear.
• Use a wide, balanced stance with one foot slightly ahead of the other.
• Get as close to the load as possible.
• Tighten your stomach muscles as the lift begins.
• Keep your lower back in its normal arched position and use your legs to lift.
• Pick up your feet and pivot to turn. Don't twist your back.
• Lower the load smoothly, maintaining the natural curve in your lower back.
  

 

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