Toolbox Talk: Body stressing/Manual handling
Body stressing is muscular stress caused by lifting, carrying, twisting, putting down objects, and repetitive movements (manual handling).
Introduction
Body stressing is muscular stress caused by lifting, carrying, twisting, putting down objects, and repetitive movements (manual handling). The risk of body stressing can be higher on an untidy worksite.
Examples of body stressing include:
- “I was lifting a bucket of bricks, and the handle of the bucket broke and pulled my shoulder and neck.”
- “I jarred my back when using a jackhammer to break up concrete, it's been painful since.”
- “I stood up quickly and whacked my head on a window frame. I've had neck pain since.”
IDENTIFY body stressing hazards
Some of the body stressing hazards associated with manual handling include:
- Loads - heavy, bulky, unstable, sharp, or difficult to grasp loads cause injuries
- Force - is there enough power to do the task?
- Repetition - repetitive actions can tire muscles and hurt soft tissue
- Bad posture - how we hold our bodies can impact blood flow and muscles
- Surface/floor - objects in the way create trip hazards.
ASSESS ways to eliminate or minimise the hazards
After identifying the body stressing risks, think about the best possible way to eliminate or minimise manual handling hazards. Some controls could include:
- Store and work with loads at waist height to reduce bending, stretching and twisting the body to reach the loads. E.g. do assembly work on trestles or benches rather than on the floor.
- Provide trolleys, or skates to handle large and/or awkward loads.
- Reduce the distance that loads need to be carried by giving some thought to the delivery and storage of materials
- Wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety boots.
- Keep floor surfaces clear and free of obstacles.
- Ensure there is adequate lighting and a clear route to where you are taking the load.
- Do not carry a load that will block your vision.
- Load lifting should be matched to the individual's personal ability and level.
- Warm-up before any manual handling is done. This is especially important at the beginning of the day and after an extended break, as muscles cool down.
- Ask for help if the load is too heavy for one person, or move the load in stages, taking breaks if required.
- Break to the load down into manageable pieces.
- Have heavy items delivered as close as possible to where they’ll be need.
MANAGE housekeeping on site
An untidy site can be a cause of body stressing and other accidents such as:
- Tripping over loose objects on floors, stairs and platforms
- Being hit by falling objects
- Slipping on greasy, wet or dirty surfaces
- Hitting against projecting, poorly stacked items or misplaced material
- Cutting, puncturing, or tearing the skin of hands or other body parts on projecting nails. wire or steel strapping.
Q and A
- Ask your team to look around where they're standing and offer suggestions for improving the layout of the site to keep it tidy to prevent body stressing and other accidents.