IMS9.4.6.2 Manual Handling Procedure

1.0   PURPOSE

To ensure that SeaLink has a safe system and process to manage Manual Handling issues arising from Company operations.

2.0   SCOPE

This procedure details the requirements for all tasks where Manual Handling issues arise. It must encompass SeaLink employees, sub-contractors, contractors and visitors.

3.0   REFERENCES

• Qld WH&S Act 
• Qld WH&S Regulations
• AS 4801 & 4804
• National Standard for Manual Tasks

4.0   DEFINITIONS

Company: SeaLink

Manual Handling: the use of force by a person to lift, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, manipulate, hold or restrain any animate or inanimate object.

Ergonomics: the science which deals with the interaction between people, their work place and environment. It also considers the physiology of workers in the design of tools, equipment, and the work methods needed.

Worker: SeaLink employee or controlled contractor.

Competent person: An employee who is able to recognize hazards associated with a particular task, and has the ability to mitigate those hazards. 

5.0   REQUIREMENTS

5.1   Hazards

Manual handling hazards that have been identified and are controlled under this Procedure, include but are not limited to:

• Repeating an action frequently;

• Bending and twisting;

• Uncomfortable working condition;

• Exerting high force;

• Working long periods without opportunity for rest and recovery;

• Repetitive and heavy lifting;

• Exerting a force in a static position for an extended amount of time;

• Adverse working condition (e.g. hot, cold or involving vibration);

• High job demands and time pressures; and

• Tasks involving the handling of unstable or unbalanced loads or loads which are difficult to grasp or hold.

5.2   Inspections and Risk Assessments

A competent person is to undertake an inspection / risk assessment, as deemed necessary, in situations including but not limited to:

• prior to work area / plant re-design or work environment modifications;

• prior to purchase of new plant and equipment;

• prior to assembling a group of items that are to be transported from one location to another;

• following a manual handling related injury; and

• following a worker complaint relating to manual handling / ergonomic issues.

For further guidance regarding undertaking a manual handling risk assessment refer to National Code of Practice Manual Handling Risk Assessment and Risk Control form.

Note: Where a particular job / task is complex and/or controls have been ineffective, an Ergonomist or other qualified practitioner (Occupational Therapist/Physiotherapist) may need to be consulted.

Note: The SeaLink Manual Handling and Workstation Assessment has been developed to assist with undertaking ergonomic inspections of workstations.

5.3   Controls

5.3.1 Consideration needs to be given to controlling manual handling related hazards in the following scenarios:

5.3.2 When purchasing new plant and equipment (where relevant):

• provide design specifications that have considered the potential impact(s) on a worker during all stages of its use and storage; and
• select products that have considered manual handling / ergonomic factors in the design.

5.3.3 Where relevant, specifications are to be given to suppliers regarding how equipment and products are to be packaged, and the way they are to be delivered to reduce the risk of manual handling hazards. Examples of factors to be considered include:

• the size of containers and other packaging, which may be affected by how they are to be handled (e.g. by forklift or manually by workers);
• packaging type and whether handles should be provided; and
• how and where products are delivered.

5.3.4 Designers, engineers and / or other relevant competent persons, who are required to design or modify tasks, work processes or equipment involved in manual handling, are to ensure that manual handling risk is eliminated or reduced / minimised at design stage.

5.3.5 Appropriate mechanical lifting equipment (e.g. trolleys, hoists, cranes etc) and personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, support belts etc.) are to be made available to workers required to undertake specific manual handling activities on site.

Note: Specific procedures for safe lifting and other relevant manual handling activities are detailed in relevant Safe Working Procedures.

5.3.6 Lifting equipment identified as being damaged or unsafe for use is to be tagged with an information tag and taken out of service until it is replaced or repaired and / or deemed safe to use by a competent person.

5.4   Manual Handling Process

5.4.1 Correct Lifting Procedures for Individuals

STEP 1. Assess the Situation

Before lifting and carrying a heavy object, take a few moments to assess the situation.

• How far will you have to carry the load?

• Is the way clear of clutter, cords, slippery areas, overhangs, stairs, curbs, or uneven surfaces?

• Will there be doors that are closed? Ask someone to hold a door open or place a wedge under the door to hold it open.

• Once you get the load up, will you be able to see over the load, or will the load block your view?

• Can the load be disassembled, carried in pieces, then reassembled?

STEP 2. Assess the Load

Take a few moments to "size up the load." Test the weight by lifting a corner of the object. If it is too heavy or if the object is an odd shape, STOP!

• Ask for help. One Two or Four (NOT THREE) people lifting a heavy object is much safer than trying to do it yourself.

• Use a hand truck, pushcart, or a mechanical lifting device.

• Consider using gloves that will improve your grip and protect your hands.

• Never lift anything unless you are sure you can do so safely.

STEP 3. Lifting the Load

The KEY to lifting safely is keeping your back straight or slightly arched. NEVER USE YOUR BACK TO LIFT!

• Start the lift by putting your feet close to the object. Get a firm footing.

• Centre your body over your feet.

• Squat down like a professional weightlifter, bending your knees. Keep your back straight or slightly arched. You want your legs to do the lifting, not your back.

• Grasp the load securely with your hands, and pull the load close to you.

• Smoothly lift straight up. NEVER TWIST YOUR BODY WHILE LIFTING, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, AS IF LOOKING STRAIGHT AHEAD, NOT DOWN.

STEP 4. Carrying the Load

As you carry the load:

• Keep your back straight or slightly arched.

• Walk slowly and surely.

• Use your feet to change directions. Never twist your back.

• Avoid leaning over.

• Avoid lifting a load over your head.

• If you become tired, set the load down, and rest for a few moments.

STEP 5. Setting the Load Down

Setting the load down is the reverse of lifting.

• Position yourself where you want to set the load.

• Squat down. Let your legs do the work, not your back.

• REMEMBER NOT TO TWIST YOUR BODY WHILE SETTING DOWN A LOAD, AND MAINTAIN NUETRAL SPINE.

• Once the load is where you want it, release your grip. Never release your grip on a load until it is secure. You don't want to drop a load on your foot. Or, if someone is helping you, dropping a load unexpectedly can injure the other person.

5.4.2 Trolleys and carts 

When using trolleys or carts, remember:

• It is easier and safer to push than to pull.

• Stay close to the load, try not to lean over, and keep your back straight or slightly arched.

• Use both hands to control the trolley or cart.

• Use tie-down straps, if necessary, to secure the load.

• Avoid stairs and inclines. If you must take a load to another floor, use a freight elevator (if available).

• Never "horse around" with trolleys or carts.

5.4.3 Team Lifts

Whenever team lifting is used, it is essential to co-ordinate and carefully plan the lift. In organising a lift, make sure:

• An adequate number of workers are chosen to help in the team.

• Team members are of similar sizes to each other.

• One person is appointed to plan and take charge of the operation.

• There is enough space for the handlers to maneuver as a group.

• Workers know their responsibilities during the lift.

• Training in team lifting has been provided and the lift rehearsed. Include also what to do in case of emergency.

5.4.4 Training in effective team handing should include the following:

• Assessing the lift and the type of lift.

• Deciding on the number of people needed and where they should be positioned.

• Clearing the area of potential hazards.

• Discussing the lift first with the co-workers and ensuring they are comfortable with their role and the task.

• Using a countdown to start the lift, and to call all actions.

• How to use lifting aids.

• An overview of, and the risks involved with team lifting.

5.5 Working Postures

Note: Controlling poor working postures should focus on redesign of the contributory risk factors that influence task demands, e.g. the work area, tools or equipment, loads, and load handling activities.

5.5.1 Back

5.5.1.1 Bending

Controls for bending movements could include the following:

• Use of height adjustable work benches / surfaces etc.

• Position materials between thigh and shoulder height.

• Ensure workstations have adequate knee and foot clearance so that workers can get close to a work item without bending.

• Provide / use equipment such as tilted work surfaces (height and angle adjusted), and spring-loaded surfaces.

• Provide / use gravity-assisted devices or automatic feed devices.

• Raise the work level using scissor lift tables, work dispensers and similar mechanical aids.

• Ensure good lighting to: eliminate the need to bend; and have good visibility of the workplace and other materials / items.

Controls for bending movements caused by reaching could include the following:

• Position tools, machine controls and work items in such a way as to eliminate reaches over 30cm from sitting and 50cm from a standing position.

5.5.1.2 Twisting

Controls to minimise twisting could include the following:

• Place the most used work items on the worker’s preferred side and within easy reach to avoid lifting across the body.

• Instruct workers to move their feet to turn, rather than twist their back in reaching behind.

• Provide swivel chairs for seated workers.

• When lifting, the pick-up and set-down positions are often at an angle to one another. Therefore, sufficient work space for the worker to turn the whole body should be provided.

5.5.2 Head and Neck

• Use an inclined work surface to reduce forward bending of the neck for tasks with hand-eye coordination such as precision work with tools.

• Work with documents and displays in front and at a height to avoid the neck twisting and bending forwards.

• Improve the visibility of the task by reviewing levels of light. Inadequate lighting levels can contribute to awkward postures.

5.5.3 Arms and Shoulders

• Keep work below shoulder height by modifying equipment or providing a platform to raise the effective height of the worker.

• Place computer mouse adjacent to keyboard at same level or lower, to reduce shoulder elevation and static shoulder load.

• Provide arm supports if manipulative tasks must be performed in a raised position. Arm supports reduce the load on the shoulders and spine.

• Design workstations so work is performed with the forearm pivoting around the elbow (upper arm close by trunk).

• Shorten reaches so that workers can get close to objects to be handled.

5.5.4 Elbow and Forearm

• Select tools that do not require the forearm to turn.

• Design equipment controls to avoid forearm rotation.

• Avoid rotating the forearms in opposite directions (i.e.. clothes wringing action). Fix one section to stabilize so movement is needed from only one hand.

5.5.5 Wrist and Hand 

• Use tools or levers that allow the wrist to remain straight. Follow the principle of ‘bend the tool or tool handle not the wrist’.

• When working with the fingers in a straight position. Keep the effort very low and do not bend the wrist backwards.

• Avoid working with the wrist bent down when the fingers are moving or an object is being gripped. Grip strength decreases rapidly under these circumstances.

• When objects have to be moved around the working surface, slide rather than tilt them.

5.5.6 Hands and Fingers

• Avoid using pinch grips unless precision is required. Use a hook grip where possible when handling thin items.

• Avoid gripping requirements in repetitive work that spread fingers and thumb apart more than 6cm. Vibrating hand tools with a wide grip are of particular concern.

5.5.7 Legs and Feet

• Organise work so only necessary stages must be performed at low levels that require squatting or kneeling:

• provide a cushioned surface, such as knee pads or padding on the floor

• avoid squatting in repetitive work

• limit squatting to low-duration tasks

• Fit suitable steps to heavy vehicles and loading docks to deter jumping.

6.0   EXHIBITS

IMS4.4.6.4.2.F1 Manual Handling and Work Station Assessment.