Manual
Handling
The Big 3 Rules
Manual handling and lifting are defined as:
Any transporting or supporting of a load by hand or other bodily force.
This means that anything from lifting a box to carrying a laptop bag is
considered to be manual handling. These 3 simple rules will help you decide
if manual handling is the best option for you in every situation.
11 If you don't NEED to handle it - DON'T!
You should only be moving things if there is an absolute need.
If you assess the situation and decide its not necessary, then
don't lift or move the load. Simple.
22 If you do need to handle it, can a mechanical aid be
used?
In other words, if it must be moved, the next thing you should
question is; what else can help me do this safely?
We will look at some examples of manual handling aids later on.
33 If a mechanical aid is not available or not suitable, then
lift safely with a good technique.
Again, we will check this out later too.