Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Program

Transcription

1 Musculskeletal Injury Preventin Prgram Manual Materials Handling Wrkshp Participant s Manual 02/23/15

2 Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin 110, 6325 Gateway Bulevard Edmntn AB T6H 5H6 T: Visin Incident free wrkplaces. Missin T create safe wrkplaces thrugh the prvisin f educatin, leadership & cllabratin. Values Value safe wrk, and safe wrk behavirs. Value the right f each wrker t have a safe, healthy and incident free wrk envirnment. Value members input, feedback and directin. Disclaimer The infrmatin presented within this publicatin is intended fr the general use f the members f the Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin. This is nt a guide t gvernment regulatins and des nt relieve anyne using this manual frm their legal respnsibilities under current r future applicable safety legislatin. The Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin des nt guarantee the accuracy f, nr assume any liability fr the infrmatin within this dcument. Cpyright 2015 Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin. This publicatin is the prperty f the Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin. Reprductin in any frm, by any means, in whle r in part, r use f this publicatin fr ther than Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatinuses is prhibited withut the express written cnsent f the Assciatin. 2

3 Wrkshp Intrductin Tday s wrkplace is very different than it was nly a few shrt years ag, and it is dramatically different when cmpared t the past 20 years. New autmated systems have been created t stre, transfer, raise and lwer, stack, palletize and package all types and sizes f materials. Mechanized equipment has eliminated many heavy and demanding materials handling tasks that were nce s cmmn. Hists, carts, dllies, adjustable height pallet stands and electric pallet jacks are widely available and, in many wrkplaces, widely used. But even with all f these changes, almst all wrkers regularly d sme type f manual materials handling every day; and fr sme wrkers, manual handling is the jb task that they perfrm fr a majrity f their wrk day, day in and day ut. As a result, health care facilities have struggled with reducing wrker injuries related t manual handling. If the manual materials handling tasks are nt designed prperly, r we use pr materials handling techniques, the risk f injury is increased. The incidence f musculskeletal injury (MSI) in ur industry has driven up csts t facilities, and has als adversely affected wrkers day-t-day activities. Manual Materials Handling (MMH) is any task that requires a persn t manually mve smething frm ne pint t anther. This includes tasks requiring muscle pwer t mve things frm ne place t anther with r withut the aid f pwered equipment. Did Yu Knw: A significant number f all lst time injuries are due t sme type f MMH? What is a Musculskeletal Injury (MSI)? A MSI is an injury r disrder f the muscles, tendns, ligaments, jints, nerves, bld vessels r related sft tissues including sprains, strains and inflammatin, that may be caused r aggravated by wrk. 3

4 With the increased csts t health care facilities, rganizatins must becme practive and reduce frequency and severity rates f injuries. By having a Musculskeletal Injury Preventin (MIP) prgram in yur cntinuing care facility, yu shuld expect t see: Reduced: Injury rates Recruitment csts Overtime Increased: Wrker mrale Prductivity Pstive reputatin f the facility Reprting f hazards and incidents. Other factrs influencing health care facilities t incrprate an MIP prgram int their facilities are: Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act, Regulatin, and Cde WCB (what is the facility paying in direct and indirect csts assciated with MSIs?) Insurance cmpanies Ethical issues and wrker mrale Well-designed wrkplaces and MMH tasks allw peple t nt nly wrk mre safely with less chance f experiencing a MMH-related injury, but they als allw wrk t be perfrmed mre effectively, efficiently and prductively. MMH tasks are a significant cause f back, shulder, ther muscle pains/ strains, MMH incidents and slip/trip/fall injuries in all wrkplaces. Research shws that: expsure t these hazards can lead t increased pain / discmfrt; reducing expsure t these hazards can reduce yur risk f getting injured. There are five primary bjectives f the musculskeletal injury reductin prgram: 1. Implement Best Practices int existing systems r develp a prgram t reduce musculskeletal injuries 2. Prvide the knwledge and skills t practice and implement the Musculskeletal Injury Preventin ( MIP) prgram 3. Prvide tls and resurces t assist the facilities in implementing, mnitring and maintaining the MIP prgram 4. Prvide a framewrk fr the develpment f prgrams fr facilities that face challenges in this area 5. Identify specific needs in relatin t MIP issues 4

5 Table f Cntents Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin 2 Visin 2 Missin 2 Values 2 Wrkshp Intrductin 3 Wrkshp Learning Objectives 7 Exercise 1: Ice Breaker 8 Mdule 1: Yur Jb Yur Bdy 9 An Intrductin t Musculskeletal Injury Preventin 15 Understanding Musculskeletal Injuries 16 Recgnizing the Signs and Symptms 17 Early Reprting 17 Legal Requirements 18 Mdule 2: Manual Materials Handling Hazards 20 What causes MSIs? 22 Understanding and Identifying MMH Hazards 23 Mdule 3: Principles f Safe Lifting Plan Yur Mve! Strng Fundatin Yur Centre f Gravity Big Jbs call fr Big Muscles Get a Grip! Reduce Frictin Cmmunicate! Stick t the Script 37 Mdule 4: Safe Manual Materials Handling Techniques 38 Safe MMH Techniques 39 Exercise 2: Safe Manual Materials Handling Hands-On Practice: 46 Sustaining Change 47 Wrkshp Summary Manual Materials Handling Wrkshp 5

6 Appendix 1: Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act, Cde and Regulatin 50 Appendix 2: Features f an Effective Musculskeletal Injury Preventin Prgram 54 Appendix 3: Sample Manual Materials Handling Plicy 57 Appendix 4: Sample Supervisr Fllw-up Checklist 61 Appendix 5: MMH Hazard Identificatin Checklist 64 6

7 Wrkshp Learning Objectives By the end f this wrkshp, yu will be able t: 1. Discuss why rganizatins shuld cnsider implementing a musculskeletal injury reductin prgram (intr) 2. Identify the ptential impact f manual materials handling tasks n yur bdy (Mdule 1) 3. Describe what safe manual materials handling is and why it is imprtant (Mdule 1) 4. Recgnize the signs and symptms f musculskeletal injury in yurself and yur c-wrkers (Mdule 1) 5. Identify manual materials handling-related hazards in yur wrkplace (Mdule 2) 6. Explain why and hw pr design cntributes t MSI (Mdule 2) 7. Adapt the principles f safe lifting t manual materials handling situatins (Mdule 3) 8. Crrectly demnstrate each f the safe manual materials handling techniques presented in this wrkshp (Mdule 4) 9. Adapt the safe manual materials handling techniques t yur daily manual materials handling tasks (Mdule 4) 10. Explain hw t make simple changes t the design and rganizatin f manual materials handling tasks t imprve yur health and well-being! (Mdule 4) 7

8 Exercise 1: Ice Breaker Timeframe: 5-10 minutes Instructins: Yur instructr will intrduce a warm up/intrductry exercise based n the number f participants. The purpse f the warm up exercise is t: Get t knw each ther; Break the ice the CCSA curses are designed t include a lt f participatin and interactin; breaking the ice early helps t create a safe & cmfrtable learning envirnment. 8

9 Mdule 1: Yur Jb Yur Bdy Like cars, ur bdies have an engine (ur heart and lungs) and gears (ur muscles) that when healthy allw us t d many different tasks at wrk. Our bdies are mst happy when they are in mtin using the engine and gears t their full ptential. But like a car, ur bdies engine and gears als have limits. Understanding yur bdy s limits will help yu understand and recgnize things that can injure yu. The fllwing sectin will infrm yu abut: Muscles, tendns and ligaments Bdy parts used in mving materials and / r equipment Safe and unsafe ways t use these bdy parts Muscles, Tendns and Ligaments Our muscles are the gears that allw ur bdies t mve and d wrk. Muscles d nt wrk alne. Tendns and ligaments are the nuts and blts that help ur muscles d the wrk. Muscles are cnnected t bne by tendns and bnes are held tgether by ligaments. Ligament Tendn Ligament Muscle Tendn Muscle Mst f the wrk being dne by ur bdy is shared between ur muscles, tendns and ligaments. Larger muscle grups (e.g. the muscles in ur legs) are able t wrk lnger and harder than sme f ur smaller muscle grups (e.g. the muscles in ur shulders). Smaller muscle grups are usually the first muscles t get injured. Tw f the mst frequently injured bdy parts are ur backs and shulders. Next we ll review these bdy parts and then take a lk at sme simple ways f keeping them safe using prper bdy mechanics. 9

10 The Back Our back and spine have 24 bnes called vertebrae that are spread ut ver fur regins: 1) Cervical 2) Thracic 3) Lumbar 4) Sacral The bnes prtect the spinal crd. They als prvide a place fr muscles in ur back t attach t. Our back has a natural curvature. We shuld try t keep this natural shape when we d wrk. Keeping the natural shape f ur back helps us cmplete manual materials handling tasks safely. Tasks are safer because we reduce the amunt f wrk ur muscles, tendns and ligaments have t d. Our head weighs abut 10 punds. When we are wrking with materials the best place fr ur head t be is in line with ur shulders. When we get in the habit f lking dwn when handling materials ur head can add 30+ punds f weight n ur neck and back which puts these bdy parts in greater danger f being injured. Surce: 10

11 The ppsite f yur back s natural shape (r neutral psture) is an awkward psture. Awkward pstures mve away frm yur neutral psture tward the extremes in range f mtin. This puts mre stress n yur musculskeletal system, is a cntributing risk factr fr musculskeletal injuries (MSIs), and shuld be avided. What is the difference between a neutral back psture and awkward pstures? Image surce: 11

12 The Shulder The shulder has the greatest range f mtin f any jint in the bdy. Hwever, this large range f mtin can lead t jint prblems and injuries when we wrk with ur elbws away frm the sides f ur bdy. What is the difference between neutral shulder pstures and awkward pstures? Image surce: 12

13 Pwer Psitin What is the Pwer Zne? The pwer zne fr lifting is clse t the bdy, between mid-thigh and midchest height. This zne is where the arms and back can lift the mst, with the least amunt f effrt. The hand shake zne r cmfrt zne are ther cmmn names fr the pwer zne. The principle here is that if yu can shake hands with yur wrk, yu are minimizing excessive reach and maintaining a neutral psture. Wrking frm the pwer zne ensures that yu are wrking within prper heights and reaches, which reduces MSI risk factrs and allws fr mre efficient and pain-free wrk. Image surce: Hw d yu ensure yu are wrking within the pwer zne when perfrming material handling tasks? We can create the pwer psitin by: Keep elbws clse t ur sides Lwer arm at r clse t 90 degrees t upper arm Wide grips with palms up Psitin materials clse t ur bdy; and, Psitin materials clse t waist height 13

14 Hw d yu ensure yu achieve the pwer psitin befre and during manual materials handling tasks? When handling materials remember t fcus yur attentin n: Keeping yur back in its natural, neutral psitin Keep the lad clse t yur bdy Yur feet shulder width apart Bend yur knees Keep yur head up Often we dn t achieve this pwer psitin. Smetimes, it is because we use the wrng type f grip. Other times, it may be because we dn t adjust the materials we are handling t allw us t use the larger muscles in ur shulders. Cnsider the principles discussed abve. Which picture lks like the staff member is using the pwer psitin principles? Why?

15 An Intrductin t Musculskeletal Injury Preventin In rder fr a facility t underg building a successful MIP prgram, everyne must have the knwledge f what a musculskeletal injury is. What is a musculskeletal Injury (MSI)? A MSI is an injury r disrder f the muscles, tendns, ligaments, jints, nerves, bld vessels r related sft tissues including sprains, strains and inflammatin, that may be caused r aggravated by wrk activities. Other terms that are ften used t describe musculskeletal injuries include: Sprains and strains Musculskeletal Disrders (MSDs) Cumulative Trauma Disrders (CTDs) Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) Overexertin injuries Sft tissue injuries Wrk-related musculskeletal Injuries (WRMS) They all mean the same thing! 15

16 Understanding Musculskeletal Injuries There are tw ways t categrize MSI: Categry 1: Overexertin MSI (2 types) Strains: Generally caused by a ne-time exertin that tears a tendn and/r a muscle. Sprains: Generally caused by a ne-time exertin that tears a ligament. An verexertin injury ccurs when a persn wrks beynd his r her physical capacity r, mre specifically, when the physical frces required t perfrm a task exceed what the bdy is capable f ding. These types f injuries have been assciated with lifting, bending at the waist with twisting, pushing/pulling, carrying, slips/trips/falls and reaching. Categry 2: Overuse MSI Examples include back pain, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrme, tennis elbw, etc. These injuries are a result f expsure t a repeated type f physical activity resulting in inflamed tendns r ligaments. Overuse MSIs gradually ccur ver time and may be ignred until they becme chrnic. 16

17 Recgnizing the Signs and Symptms There are ften signs and symptms that cme befre an injury ccurs and lng befre any wrk is missed. It is very imprtant that everyne (managers, supervisrs, wrkers, etc.) is aware f the signs and is keeping a lk ut fr: Reprts/cmplaints f: numbness, tingling, jint stiffness, etc. Stretching r rubbing muscles while wrking Quality prblems, errrs High turnver r absenteeism Damage t equipment/materials/prperty Etc. Early Reprting One f the keys t managing MSIs is t encurage a system f early reprting. It is imprtant t reprt early signs and symptms because: Cntinuing t wrk with an injured bdy part can affect ther parts f the bdy and cmpund the situatin. If left untreated, symptms can becme chrnic and can lead t a disability. Early treatment f an injury can prevent lst time frm the wrk place. It may help keep a c-wrker injury free. It is especially imprtant t reprt signs and/r symptms if the: Pain is persistent, severe r wrsening. Pain radiates. Symptms keep yu frm sleeping at night. 17

18 Legal Requirements Emplyers and wrkers have respnsibilities fr wrkplace health and safety as specified in the Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act, Sectin 2(1) and (2). These are briefly: EMPLOYERS: T ensure, as far as it is reasnably practicable, the health and safety f all wrkers at the wrksite and that all wrkers are aware f their respnsibilities and duties under the OHS Act, Regulatin and Cde. WORKERS: T take reasnable care t prtect the health and safety f themselves and ther wrkers, and t cperate with the emplyer t prtect the health and safety f themselves and ther wrkers. There is a substantial amunt f legislatin fund in the Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Cde that applies t MSI preventin. Belw is a summary f Parts 2 and 14 the legislatin, hwever the detailed legislatin quted frm the Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act, Cde and Regulatin can be fund in Appendix 1. Alberta OH & S Cde, Part 2, Hazard Assessment, Eliminatin and Cntrl An emplyer must assess a wrksite t identify hazards r risks assciated with jbs perfrmed. This assessment must be dcumented, dated and updated at regular intervals. Emplyers must invlve wrkers in this assessment; implement cntrls fr the hazards identified and als must infrm the wrkers f the methds in the wrkplace prvided t keep them safe. Fr healthcare wrkers especially, the risk f MSI is ne f the largest hazards we face in the wrkplace. It is imprtant t ensure risk factrs fr MSI are thrughly assessed and that all wrkers are trained in the varius methds f cntrl available in rder t keep them safe. Alberta OH & S Cde, Part 14, Lifting and Handling Lads Assessing Hazards When wrkers are required t mve things in the wrkplace, the emplyer is required t perfrm a hazard assessment that cnsiders the weight, size, shape, number f times the lad will be mved and the manner in which the lad will be mved. Equipment - An emplyer must prvide and ensure wrkers are using the apprpriate equipment when mving things in the wrkplace. Wrkers are required t use the equipment the emplyer prvides. Safe Lifting Prgram There is a requirement fr an emplyer t develp and implement a safe manual materials handling prgram when wrkers are required t lift, lwer, push, pull, carry, handle r transprt lads. This safe manual materials handling prgram must include an annual evaluatin f its effectiveness. An emplyer als must ensure that wrkers cmply with the prgram and in turn, wrkers are required t fllw it. 18

19 Emplyers are required t train all wrkers wh are at risk f MSI in rder t prevent these injuries. This training must include the identificatin factrs that culd lead t an MSI injury, the early signs and symptms f MSI injuries and preventative measures including safe wrk prcedures, mechanical aides and persnal prtective equipment. Reprting MSI If a wrker reprts t their emplyer that they believe they have symptms f an MSI, the emplyer is required t review the activities f that wrker and als any ther wrkers ding similar tasks t identify if there are any wrk related causes. If it is fund that there are wrk related causes, the emplyer must take crrective measures t avid further injuries. 19

20 Mdule 2: Manual Materials Handling Hazards Welcme t the CCSA Musculskeletal Injury Preventin Prgram: Manual Materials Handling Hazards Mdule. This mdule helps yu make yur wrkplace safer by helping yu identify unsafe manual materials handling situatins that may result in a MSI injury. Mdule 2 Objectives At the end f this mdule, yu shuld be able t: 1) Prvide a definitin f manual materials handling 2) List the key hazards assciated with manual materials handling 3) Identify MMH-related hazards in yur wrkplace 4) Perfrm an infrmal hazard assessment befre perfrming manual materials handling tasks 5) Reprt manual materials handling-related hazards 20

21 What is Manual Materials Handling? Manual Materials Handling is any task that requires a persn t manually mve smething frm ne place t anther with r withut the aid f pwered equipment. Fllwing are sme cmmn manual materials handling tasks that may take place within ur facilities: Lifting / Lwering Pushing / Pulling Carrying / Hlding 21

22 What causes MSIs? Recgnizing what causes MSIs is perhaps the biggest challenge fr frnt-line wrkers and rganizatins. The reasn is that sme wrkplace hazards are easy t spt (i.e. missing guards n a saw, missing eye prtectin, a bucket in the middle f a busy flr, etc). Mst, hwever, are nt easy t recgnize and mre ften than nt relate directly t the way wrk is designed r carried ut! A hazard is a situatin, cnditin r thing that may be dangerus t the health and safety f wrkers. A hazard has the ptential t cause an injury, illness r lss. Sme peple think f a hazard as an incident waiting t happen. Ptential hazards are thse that are freseeable and reasnably likely t ccur. What are situatins, cnditins r behaviurs that may expse wrkers t MSI risks? Situatins Cnditins Behaviurs Circumstances that exist in the wrkplace. Examples include: State f the wrkplace envirnment. Examples include: The way that wrkers perfrm their tasks. Examples include: Lack f apprpriate manual materials handling equipment Heavy furniture that cannt be mved easily Wrking shrt staffed Clutter Wet flrs Icy sidewalks Pr lighting Lack f space Nt asking r ffering help when needed Nt using manual materials handling equipment Wrking utside f yur pwer zne 22

23 Understanding and Identifying MMH Hazards Safe MMH tasks are nly pssible when the wrkplace design allws them t be safe. In wrkplaces, MMH tasks must be designed s that MMH hazards are eliminated / reduced. Organizatins need t take active steps t identify, assess and cntrl MMH hazards fr all their MMH tasks. T slve prblems related t manual materials handling and prevent MMH-related injuries, everyne shuld be invlved in a creative and pen prcess. This will result in the develpment f effective and, ften, lw cst slutins that will help t imprve the health and well-being f all wrkers and the verall rganizatin. In rder t eliminate design-related hazards assciated with manual materials handling tasks, everyne must understand what MMH-related hazards are, and hw t spt them. Understanding MMH Hazards It is hard t reduce the risk f MMH-related injury withut learning hw t recgnize hazards that are assciated with MMH tasks. Understanding MMH hazards makes it easier t recgnize them and take steps t reduce risk. The key hazards assciated with MMH tasks are: Frce / Weight Yur Wrking Psture Repetitin & Duratin Grip Lad Characteristics Wrkplace Cnditins 23

24 MMH Hazards Frce / Weight MMH tasks that require a high level f frce t be exerted, r a task that requires lwer levels f frce but requires a persn t handle/carry items fr a lng perid f time ver lng distances, can lead t muscle fatigue, muscle strain, pain and discmfrt. The amunt f frce a wrker must exert when perfrming a task depends upn: weight f bject effrt / frce required t mve item effrt required t hld smething up Generally, as the amunt f frce and / r weight increases, s des the risk f injury. Sme examples f MMH tasks that invlve frce/weight include: Lifting and lwering bxes and crates Pushing carts and wagns Pulling laded pallet jacks Carrying bxes, bags and packages 24

25 Hw much weight is t much when lifting / lwering? It depends n: Hw far the item is away frm yu. Hw high ff the grund / flr the item is when yu pick it up / put it dwn. Hw far yu have t mve the item. Hw ften yu lift / lwer the item. Whether r nt yu can use gd bdy mechanics fr the entire lift / lwer. Hw much frce is t much when pushing / pulling? It depends n: Hw far the item has t be mved. Hw ften yu have t mve the item. Where yu are able t place yu hand n the item. Whether yu can see ver the item when pushing it. The amunt f tractin yu have n the flr surface. Whether r nt yu can t push the lad, r if yu have t pull it. 25

26 MMH Hazards Psture When wrkers use pr MMH techniques that put them int awkward pstures the risk f injury ges up. Wrkers ften adpt these awkward pstures because the set-up and design f their wrk area frces them int these pstures. Or, wrkers may nt have been trained n hw t use gd MMH techniques. Examples f awkward pstures seen when perfrming MMH tasks include: bending at the waist when lifting r lwering twisting the back/spine when exerting frces reaching ut t get r put dwn an item reaching t get items abve shulder height MMH Hazards Repetitin / Duratin Repetitin When emplyees perfrm MMH tasks repeatedly ver the day, the risk f MMH-related injuries increases. MMH tasks that are ften perfrmed repetitively include: remving bags f siled laundry and linen frm laundry carts remving garbage bags frm husekeeping carts lifting and lwering racks f dishes mving furniture unlading grceries / supplies mpping the flr High rates f repetitin can cause injuries such as: muscle fatigue wear & tear n tendns, jints, spinal discs As frce increases and pstures becme mre awkward, the amunt f repetitin shuld be reduced. 26

27 Duratin/Time All hazards are influenced by hw lng a persn perfrms ne r many MMH tasks. Generally speaking, the lnger a persn perfrms MMH tasks befre they have a significant change in task demand, the greater the risk f injury. Lng duratin depends n amunt f frce being exerted lnger duratin increases the risk Cnsider frce, psture, & repetitin when determining the safe duratin fr a task r activity AND/ OR AND/ OR AND = 27

28 MMH Hazards Grip The way the lad is held by the hands, r the grip, can be a hazard. A pr grip can increase lads n muscles and transfer frce t small muscles in the hand. Objects withut handles r with pr handles can be hazardus: narrw handles can cause pressure n bdy tissues sharp edges can cause pain lads can slip and be damaged MMH Hazards Lad Characteristics The characteristics f the lad, even if it is light in weight r if it is a big bject, can make the lad difficult t see arund r make the lad awkward t handle. As a result, wrkers will begin t use mre hazardus MMH techniques such as: leaning t ne side when pushing, pulling the lad frm the side r pulling the lad and twisting the spine. Size/shape f lad - wrkers may adpt hazardus pstures t lift and handle very large items, even light nes, r items that are an awkward shape t handle. E.g. chairs, big bxes, dressers Instability wrkers may need t exert mre frce t balance and cntrl the device and/r lad when: the weight inside a bx shifts, the lad invlves liquid r material that mves, and/r carrying mre than ne bx, chair, etc. at a time Slipperiness smth r wet surfaces make gripping difficult and therefre will increase the risk f injury Weight distributin - if the weight is nt evenly distributed the lifting task can be mre awkward and hazardus Unknwn weight - If the bject des nt have a label telling the wrker hw much it weighs, they may try lifting it as the lad may lk light. Hwever if the bject is in fact heavy, it can cause the wrker t use hazardus MMH techniques. Having said that, if an bject lks heavy but turns ut t be light it can als increase the risk f injury. 28

29 MMH Hazards Wrkplace Cnditins MMH tasks with mre than ne persn: While perfrming MMH task with mre than ne persn can greatly reduce the risk t wrkers, it may als increase the risk if wrkers are nt prperly trained n hw t handle items with ne r mre c-wrkers. Lack f space/rm: When wrkers perfrm MMH tasks in tight r cnfined spaces they are ften frced t adpt awkward pstures, such as: cruching, reaching, kneeling r bending. Wrkers need the space and rm t use gd MMH techniques. Clutter / tidiness: MMH tasks are mre hazardus when wrkers have t mve arund bstructins, step ver cables and avid ther items in their path f travel. Ensuring that areas are keep clutter-free and tidy helps t prevent slips, trips and falls while wrkers are perfrming MMH tasks. Surface cnditins: Pr surface cnditins can als make MMH tasks mre hazardus. Ice, snw and water can lead t slips and falls and reduce tractin. Hles, ridges and cracks will increase the chance f tripping while als making pushing / pulling tasks mre difficult. Mre effrt may als be required fr pushing and pulling when surface cnditins are sft. Temperature: Very ht and humid wrking cnditins can increase the risk f heat stress-related prblems and put mre strain n a wrker s cardivascular system, especially when perfrming heavy and/r repetitive manual materials handling. Cld temperatures make it mre difficult t grasp items being handled and cld muscles may be prne t injury. 29

30 Identifying MMH Hazards There are tw tls that are vital fr recgnizing MMH-related hazards. If yu lk critically at pstures, extra exertin n peple s faces and ther bvius signs f frce in additin t asking questins and listening t emplyees yu will begin t identify sme cmmn hazards. Seeing and listening fr MMH Hazards Since psture-related MMH hazards are mst cmmn we need fr lk fr them. Mst f us can easily see / recgnize when thers are wrking in hazardus pstures. What are yu lking fr? White knuckles / lts f muscle use Facial grimacing Grunting and graning We need t ask the wrker abut their cncerns, discmfrt and issues. And we need t find ut what the wrker des and hw they perfrm their jb tasks A checklist can be used t help guide yur bservatins and questins. Remember: a checklist can never be all inclusive (Refer t the MMH Hazard Identificatin Checklist Bklet) S, hw des an awareness f these key MMH hazards help yu t identify manual materials handling hazards and cntrls? Key MMH Hazard Hazard Type f Hazard Surce Lad characteristics: unknwn weight Heavy garbage bags Physical Equipment and materials Grip Repetitin If the cntrl/cntrls selected nly address ne f the key MMH hazards (such as grip), the ther key MMH hazards (such as repetitin) may nt be adequately cntrlled and cntinue t pse a risk f MSI t wrkers. 30

31 Identifying Manual Materials Handling Hazards What are the bvius risk factrs in the vide? 31

32 Identifying Manual Materials Handling Hazards What are the bvius risk factrs in the vide? 32

33 Mdule 3: Principles f Safe Lifting The fllwing principles shuld frm the basis fr every manual materials handling task: Mdule Objectives At the end f this mdule, yu shuld be able t: 1) List the eight principles f safe lifting. 2) Describe hw the eight principles f safe lifting apply t manual materials handling. 3) Adapt the principles f safe lifting t manual materials handling situatins. 4) Recgnize when a manual materials handling task may need t be adjusted based n the principles f safe lifting. 33

34 1. Plan Yur Mve! Assess the lad and wrk area. Lk at the layut f the rm and characteristics f yur lad t decide if yu have enugh rm t manage the lad safely. Assess the need fr help r assistance. If the task yu are abut t d lks like it will be difficult then it prbably is and yu shuld nt perfrm it alne, s get the help yu need frm a c-wrker r the prper equipment. Or can yu break up the lad t reduce the amunt f frce/weight required? Ask yurself, What equipment d I need? Determine if the equipment is wrking prperly r nt. 34

35 2. Strng Fundatin Yur largest and strngest muscles are in yur butt and legs. Using these muscles t build a strng base f supprt will reduce yur effrt and increase yur safety. T create a strng fundatin: place yur feet shulder-width apart; and, drp yur butt int a squat psitin. 3. Yur Centre f Gravity Yur bdy has a centre f gravity, lcated smewhere between yur stmach and yur hips. The weight f yur bdy is evenly distributed and balanced arund the centre f gravity. Yu shuld always try t achieve pstures that keep yu in balance ver yur centre f gravity. This will help yu stabilize yur bdy in space and prtect yur smaller muscle grups. Nw yu can fcus n using yur larger muscles fr manual materials handling tasks. A key part f maintaining this balance is keeping yur head up and the lad clse t yur centre f gravity. This prvides a greater amunt f prtectin frm injury t yur back. 35

36 4. Big Jbs call fr Big Muscles Remember: manual materials handling requires the use f big muscles, Big Jbs = Big Muscles Fr every manual materials handling activity, fcus n using the big muscles in yur legs and butt: Remember t create a Strng Fundatin and t Stay in Balance; Avid using smaller muscle grups in yur neck, upper back and arms; Always try t manage yur lad at waist height; If yu are wrking with a partner wh is shrter than yu, bend yur knees t ensure yu are even with their waist height. 5. Get a Grip! Pretend yu are ging t shake smene s hand nw make a fist this is what is called a pwer grip. When gripping equipment and materials yu shuld always try t maintain a pwer grip. A pwer grip with yur palms up imprves shulder psture, while making use f larger muscle grups. Using a pwer grip with yur palms up will reduce yur effrt and the risk f injury. 36

37 6. Reduce Frictin Frictin is the resistance t mtin. When surfaces rub tgether yu have t wrk harder t mve r repsitin the bject. This extra effrt can increase yur risk f injury. It is crucial t assess the flr surface and the equipment t be used. Cnsider whether yu are pushing / pulling acrss linleum r ver carpet. Is there a rute yu can take that may be a bit lnger but has a smther surface? Is there different equipment available t address the frictin f the varius flr surfaces? 7. Cmmunicate! With yur c-wrker Talk t yur c-wrker abut the mve Decide wh will cunt dwn the mve and n what cunt the mve will happen Reprt errrs, near misses and mistakes Using yur rganizatin s hazard reprting prcedure Discuss alternate appraches fr manual materials handling Reprt equipment prblems Use yur rganizatin s maintenance lg r lck ut/tag ut prcedure t reprt equipment that is brken r requires preventative maintenance Let yur supervisr and c-wrkers knw if yu ve reprted equipment that s nt wrking prperly r that isn t apprpriate (i.e. nt the right capacity, des nt functin as planned, etc.) 8. Stick t the Script Yu shuld try t apply the principles f safe manual materials handling t every situatin. Cnsistently apply them and they will becme secnd nature t yu. 37

38 Mdule 4: Safe Manual Materials Handling Techniques The Safe Manual Material Handling mdule has been created t help yu make yur wrkplace safer by helping yu identify unsafe manual materials handling situatins that may result in an injury. This mdule will help yu make the right chices abut hw t safely lift, lwer, push, pull and carry bjects in yur wrkplace that are a part f yur jb. Mdule Learning Objectives By the end f this mdule, yu will be able t: (1) identify unsafe manual materials handling situatins that may result in an injury. (2) select materials handling equipment apprpriate t the task and the envirnment. (3) perfrm the safe manual materials handling techniques t safely mve materials. (4) apply r adapt the safe manual materials handling techniques t varius materials handling situatins in yur wrkplace. 38

39 Safe MMH Techniques Squat Lift: 1. Get clse 2. Psitin yur feet slightly wider than shulder width apart 3. Keep a neutral back psture by bending yur knees 4. Stick yur butt ut, keep yur head up, lck yur elbws t yur sides and use the big muscles in yur legs. Imprtant cnsideratins fr the technique: Grip cubed bxes r ther items by gripping the ppsite crners Technique is best fr smaller lads the fit cmfrtably between the knees. Mving Yur Feet r Pivting: 1. After picking up an item - if yu have t turn t get t where yu re ging, make sure yu avid twisting yur back by mving yur feet first s yur bdy and the lad turn tgether. 2. Yu can als use a pivt technique where yu turn yur bdy and lad tgether while pivting n the balls f yur feet. Remember: Nse fllws yur tes! a b c 39

40 Lateral Shift: Used when yu need t mve an item frm side t side and yu can t get clse t the item if yu are facing it: 1. Stand beside the materials with yur feet in a wide stance 2. Bend the knee that is clsest t the materials and shift yur upper bdy s that yur bdy weight is ver that leg 3. Shift weight frm ne leg t the ther, while keeping yur knees bent. 4. Remember t keep the materials clse t yur bdy, yur head up, and yur back straight. b a c Glfer s Lift: This technique can be used when yu need t reach int a tight space t grasp light items with ne hand, r t slide a lad clser t yu s that yu can safely lift it with bth hands. 1. Place yur nn-lifting hand n smething slid fr balance and supprt 2. As yu reach fr the item, bend yur frnt knee and supprt arm and, when the item is lw dwn, lift yur back leg ff the grund 3. Get a gd grip then push ff with yur supprt arm, lwering yur leg t the grund at the same time 4. Keep yur back straight and yur head up. 40

41 Overhead Lwering Test the weight f the item by trying t shift the item with tw fingers befre attempting t lwer the bject. If yu can shift the item with nly tw fingers, it is safe t lwer. 1. Step clse t where the lad is ging 2. Psitin yur feet in a staggered stance 3. Check the weight f the bject befre attempting t lwer 4. Get a gd grip 5. Tip the item up and let it slide int yur bdy, absrbing its weight with yur bdy and bending yur knees slightly as yu lwer the lad dwn t waist height 6. D nt bend backward when ding this. Imprtant cnsideratin fr this technique: make sure yu are at a cmfrtable distance frm the bject, s that when yu lwering the bject yu are nt bending backwards and absrbing the weight with yur back. Overhead Lifting 1. Step clse t where the lad is ging 2. Psitin yur feet in a staggered stance 3. Tip the item back s that its frnt edge is higher than the back 4. Bend at the knees and then stand up quickly 5. Use the leg muscles t keep the bject mving up 6. Rest the frnt edge n the stack r shelf; and, 7. Slide the item up int its final psitin. 8. D nt lean r bend backward. 41

42 Lifting Over an Obstructin Key pint: d nt lift slwly, as it increases the strain n yur back and yu will lse mmentum. 1. Bend the knee clsest t the bject and reach ut with bth arms 2. Grasp the bject, bend yur arms and keep yur elbws lcked 3. Push up with the arms t get the upper bdy mving and use the mmentum t lift the bject. 4. Dn t lift up n the lad first! Pushing 1. Psitin feet in a staggered stance 2. Maintain a neutral back psture while bending at yur knees and using yur legs 3. Use tw hands with a palms dwn grip; ensure yur hands are at, r just abve, waist height t minimize the lad n the lwer back 4. Shift yur weight frm yur back leg t yur frnt leg t start mving 5. Make sure yu can see ver what yu re mving 6. Keep the lad in frnt f yu t avid twisting. 42

43 Pulling 1. Make sure nthing is behind yu 2. Psitin feet in a staggered stance 3. Maintain a neutral back psture while bending at yur knees and using yur legs 4. Use tw hands with a palms up grip; ensure yur hands are at, r just abve, waist height t minimize the lad n the lwer back 5. Shift yur weight frm yur frnt leg t yur back leg t start mving KEY POINTS: Pushing is always better than pulling. Why? When yu push an bject, the natural tendency is t use yur legs. Hwever, when yu pull an bject yur natural tendency is t use yur arms and back. Remember t always use tw hands when pushing and pulling. Why? When pushing r pulling, extending the arms in awkward pstures, which is the natural tendency when pulling with ne hand, increases the risk f shulder injuries. Turning a Cart 1. Use the pushing r pulling cart technique t start mving 2. Maintain a neutral back psture while keeping yur elbws lcked at yur sides 3. Remember t mve yur feet and upper bdy tgether, avid reaching r twisting 4. T turn the cart take small shuffling steps t the side, dn t try t cmplete the turn in ne mvement. 43

44 Team Lifting This technique can be an effective way t reduce risk when c-wrkers are, r clse t, the same height. 1. Get clse 2. Pstin yur feet slightly wider than shulder width apart 3. Keep a neutral back psture by bending yur knees 4. Stick yur butt ut, keep yur head up, lck yur elbws t yur sides and use the big muscles in yur legs. Imprtant cnsideratin fr this technique: Lift tgether Cmmunicate 44

45 Lifting Lng Items Dn t frget t plan yur mve. Depending n the item s weight, size, etc.; yu may need t ask fr help t safely lift lng items. 1. Get clse 2. Psitin yur feet slightly wider than shulder width apart 3. Keep a neutral back psture by bending yur knees 4. Stick yur butt ut, keep yur head up, lck yur elbws t yur sides and use the big muscles in yur legs. 5. Lift them up at ne end first s that yu nly pick up ½ f the weight Lng lads, like rlls f carpet, cylinders, etc., can nly ever be safely mved by lifting/lwering ½ the weight Lift up ne end, Step in clse t the bject Spin the lad in the directin yu want t mve it Put dwn that end; and, Then repeat the prcess frm the ther end. Picking Up Items with Awkward Shapes and/r Uneven Weight Distributin 1. Get the item clse t yur bdy 2. Psitin yur feet slightly wider than shulder width apart 3. Use a staggered grip Place ne hand under the item and Place the ther at the tp f the items t stabilize 4. Keep a neutral back psture by bending yur knees 5. Stick yur butt ut, keep yur head up and use the big muscles in yur legs. 6. Tip up r psitin the lad t get the centre f gravity clser t the bdy. 45

46 Exercise 2: Safe Manual Materials Handling Hands-On Practice: Timeframe: 90 minutes Instructins: Pick a partner. Wrking in pairs, each participant will take turns: (a) Practicing the Safe MMH Techniques by perfrming MMH tasks (b) Assessing the technique used while perfrming the MMH task The participant wh is practicing the techniques perfrms the MMH tasks and the ther participant assesses hw the tasks were perfrmed using the Safe MMH checklist. After each task, the participant wh is the assessr will prvide a brief summary f hw the technique was perfrmed based n what they recrded n the checklist. Switch rles and repeat. At the end f this exercise we ll re-grup t discuss briefly hw did it feel t perfrm the task using the techniques and hw did it feel t assess a peer s technique? 46

47 Sustaining Change I can use the safe MMH techniques I can participate in the activities I enjy! What can I d? I can encurage my c-wrkers t use the safe MMH techniques. I can reprt MMH hazards t my supervisr 1. I can use the safe manual materials handling techniques I can ask fr assistance I can apply the 8 principles f safe lifting 2. I can encurage my c-wrkers t use the safe manual materials handling techniques I can use the Safe MMH Checklist t prvide feedback I can ffer t prvide assistance 3. I can reprt manual materials handling hazards t my supervisr I can lk and listen fr signs f MMH hazards I can use the MMH Hazard ID Checklist I can reprt equipment that requires repair 4. I can participate in the activities I enjy! 47

48 Remember! Get and keep a firm grasp n the lad Keep the weight centered and balanced Make sure yu can see where yu are walking. When lwering the item, use the same care as yu t lift it Never carry an item up/dwn stairs unless it can be cmfrtably carried in ne hand Create handles n items by ciling up the edge f the bag t create a handle. Grasp it with yur palms up! Get assistance if yu need it! Encurage wrkers t ask fr assistance. Ensure supervisrs supprt and prvide psitive feedback if wrkers ask fr assistance. Remember: even the strngest / fittest peple can get MMH injuries if they try t: Lift t much weight / exert t much frce Use pr MMH techniques Perfrm MMH tasks that are prly designed Additinal guidelines fr Safe MMH Tasks 1) Design wrk areas t reduce the amunt f twisting 2) Ensure all items can be picked up clse t bdy 3) Use well designed mechanical lifting aids 4) Always try t eliminate r reduce manual materials handling in any jb 5) Lk fr handles r prper hand hlds 6) Try t push instead f pull items 48

49 Wrkshp Summary 1. Discuss why rganizatins shuld cnsider implementing a musculskeletal injury preventin prgram (intr) 2. Identify the ptential impact f manual materials handling tasks n yur bdy (Mdule 1) 3. Describe what safe manual materials handling is and why it is imprtant (Mdule 1) 4. Recgnize the signs and symptms f musculskeletal injury (MSI) in yurself and yur cwrkers (Mdule 1) 5. Identify manual materials handling-related hazards in yur wrkplace (Mdule 2) 6. Explain why and hw pr design cntributes t MSI (Mdule 2) 7. Adapt the principles f safe lifting t manual materials handling situatins (Mdule 3) 8. Crrectly demnstrate each f the safe manual materials handling techniques presented in this wrkshp (Mdule 4) 9. Adapt the safe manual materials handling techniques t yur daily manual materials handling tasks (Mdule 4) 10. Explain hw t make simple changes t the design and rganizatin f manual materials handling tasks t imprve yur health and well-being! (Mdule 4) 49

50 Appendix 1: Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act, Cde and Regulatin The definitins sectin f the Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act states the definitins f emplyer and wrker are as fllws; emplyer means; (i) (ii) (iii) A persn wh is self-emplyed in an ccupatin, A persn wh emplys ne r mre wrkers, A persn designated by an emplyer as the emplyer s representative, r (iv) A directr r fficer f a crpratin wh versees the ccupatinal health and safety f the wrkers emplyed by the crpratin. wrker means a persn engaged in an ccupatin. Emplyers and wrkers have respnsibilities fr wrkplace health and safety as specified in the Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act, Sectin 2(1) and (2). These are briefly: EMPLOYERS: T ensure the health and safety f all wrkers at the wrksite by identifying existing and ptential hazards and implementing measures t eliminate r reduce the risk by invlving wrkers in the prcess. WORKERS: T take reasnable care t prtect the health and safety f themselves and ther wrkers, and t cperate with the emplyer t prtect the health and safety f themselves and thers n the jb. Legal Requirements under the Alberta OH&S Cde include: Part 2 Hazard Assessment, Eliminatin and Cntrl Hazard assessment 7(1) An emplyer must assess a wrk site and identify existing and ptential hazards befre wrk begins at the wrk site r prir t the cnstructin f a new wrk site. 7(2) An emplyer must prepare a reprt f the results f a hazard assessment and the methds used t cntrl r eliminate the hazards identified. 7(3) An emplyer must ensure that the date n which the hazard assessment is prepared r revised is recrded n it. 7(4) An emplyer must ensure that the hazard assessment is repeated (a) at reasnably practicable intervals t prevent the develpment f unsafe and unhealthy wrking cnditins, (b) when a new wrk prcess is intrduced, 50

51 (c) when a wrk prcess r peratin changes, r (d) befre the cnstructin f significant additins r alteratins t a wrk site. 7(5) A prime cntractr must ensure that any emplyer n a wrk site is made aware f any existing r ptential wrk site hazards that may affect that emplyer s wrkers. Wrker participatin 8(1) An emplyer must invlve affected wrkers in the hazard assessment and in the cntrl r eliminatin f the hazards identified. 8(2) An emplyer must ensure that wrkers affected by the hazards identified in a hazard assessment reprt are infrmed f the hazards and the methds used t cntrl r eliminate the hazards. Hazard eliminatin and cntrl 9(1) If an existing r ptential hazard t wrkers is identified during a hazard assessment, an emplyer must take measures in accrdance with this sectin t (a) eliminate the hazards, r (b) if eliminatin is nt reasnably practicable, cntrl the hazard. 9(2) If reasnably practicable, an emplyer must eliminate r cntrl a hazard thrugh the use f engineering cntrls. 9(3) If a hazard cannt be eliminated r cntrlled under subsectin (2), the emplyer must use administrative cntrls that cntrl the hazard t a level as lw as reasnably achievable. 9(4) If the hazard cannt be eliminated r cntrlled under subsectins (2) r (3), the emplyer must ensure that the apprpriate persnal prtective equipment is used by wrkers affected by the hazard. 9(5) If the hazard cannt be eliminated r cntrlled under subsectins (2), (3) r (4), the emplyer may use a cmbinatin f engineering cntrls, administrative cntrls r persnal prtective equipment if there is a greater level f wrker safety because a cmbinatin is used. The cncept and practice f musculskeletal injury preventin is based arund the practive mdel f hazard identificatin. The mdel cntains the fllwing steps: Step 1: Recgnize the signs and symptms Step 2: Identify the hazards Step 3: Evaluate the hazards Step 4: Cntrl the hazards 51

52 Part 14 Lifting and Handling Lads Equipment 208(1) An emplyer must prvide, where reasnably practicable, apprpriate equipment fr lifting, lwering, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling, r transprting heavy r awkward lads. 208(2) An emplyer must ensure that wrkers use the equipment prvided under subsectin (1). 208(3) Wrkers must use the equipment prvided fr lifting, lwering, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling r transprting heavy r awkward lads. 208(4) Fr the purpse f this sectin, a heavy r awkward lad includes equipment, gds, supplies, persns and animals. Adapting heavy r awkward lads 209 If the equipment prvided under sectin 208 is nt reasnably practicable in a particular circumstance r fr a particular heavy r awkward lad, the emplyer must take all practicable means t (a) Adapt the lad t facilitate lifting, lwering, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling r transprting the lad withut injuring wrkers, r (b) Otherwise minimize the manual handling required t mve the lad. Wrk site design health care facilities (1) An emplyer must ensure that apprpriate patient/client/resident handling equipment is adequately incrprated int the design and cnstructin f (a) a new health care facility, and (b) a health care facility underging significant physical alteratins, renvatins r repairs (2) An emplyer must ensure that any new patient/client/resident handling equipment installed at an existing wrk site, including vehicles in which patient/client/resident handling ccurs, fits adequately in the space intended fr it (3) Subsectins (1) and (3) d nt apply t health care facility cnstructin, alteratins, renvatins r repairs started befre July 1, Patient/client/resident handling 209.2(1) An emplyer must develp and implement a safe patient/client/resident handling prgram if wrkers are required t lift, transfer r repsitin patients/clients/residents (2) The prgram required by subsectin (1) must include an annual evaluatin f its effectiveness at preventing wrker injuries (3) An emplyer must ensure that wrkers fllw the safe handling prgram required by subsectin (1). 52

53 209.2(4) Wrkers must fllw the safe handling prgram required by subsectin (1). Assessing manual handling hazards 210(1) Befre a wrker manually lifts, lwers, pushes, pulls, carries, handles r transprts a lad that culd injure the wrker, an emplyer must perfrm a hazard assessment that cnsiders (a) the weight f the lad, (b) the size f the lad (c) the shape f the lad (d) the number f times the lad will be mved, and (e) the manner in which the lad will be mved. 210(2) Befre a wrker perfrms any manual patient/client/resident handling activities, an emplyer must perfrm a hazard assessment that cnsiders the wrker s physical and mental capabilities t perfrm the wrk. 210(3) If the hazard assessment required by sectin 7 and subsectins (1) and (2) determines that there is ptential fr musculskeletal injury, an emplyer must ensure all reasnably practicable measures are used t eliminate r reduce that ptential in accrdance with sectin 9. Musculskeletal injuries 211 If a wrker reprts t the emplyer what the wrker believes t be wrk related symptms f a musculskeletal injury, the emplyer must prmptly (a) review the activities f that wrker, and f ther wrkers ding similar tasks, t identify wrk-related causes f symptms, if any, and (b) take crrective measures t avid further injuries if the causes f the symptms are wrk related. Training t prevent musculskeletal injury 211.1(1) An emplyer must ensure that a wrker wh may be expsed t the pssibility f musculskeletal injury is trained in specific measures t eliminate r reduce that pssibility (2) An emplyer must ensure that the training referred t in subsectin (1) includes (a) identificatin f factrs that culd lead t a musculskeletal injury (b) the early signs and symptms f musculskeletal injury and their ptential health effects, and (c) preventative measures including, where applicable, the use f altered wrk prcedures, mechanical aids and persnal prtective equipments. 53

54 Appendix 2: Features f an Effective Musculskeletal Injury Preventin Prgram The N Unsafe Lift Wrkbk identifies 9 critical features based n extensive research f the best practices frm prgrams arund the wrld (p.17-66). These features include: Management Cmmitment Plicies and Prmtin Key aspects f management cmmitment: Emplyee Participatin Understanding the scpe f the prblem, Defining bjectives, Establishing the plicies, Rles, respnsibilities and accuntabilities, and Fllw thrugh attentin and evaluatin. Opprtunities t invlve emplyees and ensure tw-way cmmunicatin include: Crdinatin Seek emplyee input befre drafting plicy and prcedures, Set up a frmal feedback prcess; but als use infrmal means (i.e. suggestin bxes and talking t wrkers n the jb), Include wrker representatives in the review, plan and actin cycle, Seek emplyee input befre making big changes; such as: buying equipment r altering facilities, Maintain a regular stream f cmmunicatin regarding what s happening and make sure results are cmmunicated t all emplyees, Encurage regular staff meetings t review prgress, and use frums like training sessins t gain emplyee views and suggestins, and Seek cmment n issues using means such as feedback frms in newsletters, questinnaires and surveys. If pssible, designating a crdinatr whse full-time respnsibility it is t ensure that n prgram element falls thrugh the cracks withut clear accuntabilities assigned. Risk Assessment An effective Safe Manual Materials Handling Prgram will assist in prviding a systemic apprach t assess risk. Tw key risk assessments are required t determine what prcedures r equipment shuld be used fr manual materials handling tasks. (See Appendix 5: CCSA s Safe Manual Materials Handling Hazard Identificatin Checklist Bklet) These include: A risk assessment fr lifting and mving tasks An infrmal pre-task risk assessment (i.e. Emplyee Pre-Lift Scan) 54

55 Equipment Successful musculskeletal injury preventin prgrams in cntinuing care facilities are thse that reduce the use f manual lifting techniques and increase the use f technlgical advances that limit the bimechanical stress n wrkers. An inventry f equipment and an evaluatin f equipment needs are imprtant first steps. Inclusin f a preventative as well as reparative maintenance plan is imprtant fr the prgram s success. Additinally, it is critical t prvide thrugh training n the equipment s use and ensure that emplyees are cmpetent t use each device. Bimechanical Cnsideratins Training Key cmpnents include: A fcus n the individual wrker capabilities These capabilities may include: language, educatin, training, physical limitatins, stress and fatigue. A fcus n the specific task Including: the nature f the task, what has t be dne, hw, and when. Different tasks have different requirements, each needing assessment and a unique apprach. A fcus n the envirnment Including: cnsideratin f the facility design, staffing levels, culture and resurces. Bimechanical cnsideratins shuld be a majr factr in designing a musculskeletal injury preventin prgram. A cnsistent apprach using standard, well-accepted gd bdy mechanics is preferable. As a best practice, training must be fcused n a prper risk assessment fr lifting and mving tasks, prper envirnmental evaluatin, prper use f apprpriate manual materials handling equipment, effective cmmunicatin and the management cmmitment t enfrce the plicy. Successful prgrams encurage big picture thinking and prblem slving skills which enable the wrker t cnsider all aspects f the situatin in a timely manner t determine the best technique t use. Cmmunicatin Cmmunicatin f the results f the risk assessment will ensure that all wrkers are aware f the risk and safe handling prcedures. A variety f mechanisms currently exist fr cmmunicating lifting and mving risk assessments in an effective and efficient manner. 55

56 A prcess must be in place t ensure that the assessment (and any cmmunicatin tl used fr the assessment) is updated regularly t reflect the mst up t date infrmatin abut manual materials handling tasks. Area Design Cnsideratins A Safe Manual Materials Handling Prgram must address area design issues and shuld include a practive cnsultative apprach in the design f new r renvated facilities. Sme f the criteria that shuld be cnsidered in area design/cnfiguratin t assist in reducing manual materials handling injuries include: Sufficient electrical utlets arranged t reduce the need fr lng electrical crds r extensin crds. Unbstructed crridrs f sufficient width t allw manual materials equipment/furniture t be mved. Hard, smth flring (n carpet) that allws fr easy mvement f manual materials handling wheeled equipment; permanently sealed jints in flring t reduce tripping; nn-slip flring in bathrms. Sufficient strage space fr manual materials handling equipment and supplies t ensure they are readily available. 56

57 Appendix 3: Sample Manual Materials Handling Plicy Plicy manual: Plicy Number: Subject: Manual Materials Handling Apprved by: Date: Purpse: T ensure staff required t perfrm manual material handling tasks are prvided with the training, equipment and safe wrk prcedures t reduce the risk f injury in the wrkplace. In cntinuing care, staff in all departments will have manual materials handling training as a cmpnent f their jb requirements. Definitins: Hazard: a situatin, cnditin r thing that may be dangerus t the safety r health f wrkers. Hazard assessment: functins, steps and criteria fr the design and plan f wrk which identify hazards, prvide measures t reduce the prbability, severity and ptential f injury, identify residual risks and prvide alternative methds f hazard cntrl. Heavy r awkward lad: an bject that is difficult fr an individual t mve, which includes equipment, gds, supplies, persns and animals. Hazard cntrl: methds used t eliminate r cntrl lss. There are three types f cntrls: i. Engineering cntrls: the design f the physical envirnment and prvisin f equipment. ii. iii. Administrative cntrls: direct peple and include brad tpics such as plicies, prcedures and training. Persnal prtective equipment: any device r item f apparel wrn t prtect a wrker. Manual materials handling: any task that requires a persn t manually mve smething frm ne pint t anther. This includes tasks where yu use yur muscle pwer t mve things frm ne place t anther with r withut the aid f pwered equipment. Risk: The chance that a hazard will result in an accident with definable cnsequences during a perid f activity. Prcedures: 1. Jb descriptins prepared fr each psitin will include an verview f the duties and respnsibilities f the psitin as well as the physical demands, including the weight, frequency and duratin emplyees will be required t perfrm manual materials handling tasks. 57

58 2. Hazard assessments will include the risks assciated with manual materials handling and include a list f cntrls t be implemented by staff t reduce their risk f injury. In accrdance with legislatin these hazard assessments are t be prepared and reviewed with staff and updated with any changes t prcedures r the additin f new wrk prcesses r equipment. i. Equipment will be prvided fr the handling f heavy r awkward lads. This equipment will be evaluated prir t implementatin t ensure prper bdy mechanics, efficiency and ease f use. ii. iii. Regular and preventative maintenance will be scheduled t maintain equipment in gd repair. Safe wrk prcedures will be develped fr all equipment and will utline the requirement fr staff training prir t using the equipment, pre-start up checks f equipment fr prper functining and the duty t reprt any equipment malfunctins. 3. Manual materials handling training will ccur fr emplyees in all departments in general r departmental rientatin and annually. Training will include the fllwing cmpnents: i. Principles f safe lifting; ii. iii. iv. Back care; Bdy mechanics; Envirnmental scan including a review f the lad, the task, individual wrker capabilities, and hazards within the envirnment. v. The signs and symptms f a musculskeletal injury; vi. vii. 4. Respnsibilities Respnsibility t reprt injuries early; Safe wrk prcedures. 5. Emplyer/Supervisr: 6. Emplyees Cmplete hazard assessments fr all manual materials handling tasks. Prvide emplyees with necessary equipment. Train emplyees in safe wrk prcedures n hire, annually and when deficiencies r needs are identified. Cmplete an annual review n the effectiveness f the manual materials handling prgram at reducing wrkplace injuries. Ensure emplyees adhere t plicies and prcedure expectatins and intervene with disciplinary prcess when necessary. Must utilize any equipment prvided. Fllw all safe wrk prcedures. Attend all training sessin and demnstrate prficiency with all skills. Check all equipment t ensure prper functin and reprt any issues. Identify and reprt any hazards that present a risk fr cmpleting wrk in a safe manner. Early reprting f any signs r symptms f wrk related musculskeletal injuries. 58

59 7. Emplyees will be mnitred fr safe wrk practices.supervisrs are t prvide directin t crrect unsafe practices and failure t adhere t safe wrk practices may result in disciplinary actin. Shuld issues be identified the disciplinary prcess will be executed until there is reslutin f the matter. 59

60 Outcmes Emplyees are prvided with the training, equipment and safe wrk prcedures fr manual materials handling t reduce the risk f injury in the wrkplace. References Alberta Occupatinal Health and Safety Act, Cde and Regulatins 2009, Part 2 & 14 Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin, Hazard Assessment Curse, 2009 Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin, Health and Safety Management Systems Curse, 2009 Cntinuing Care Safety Assciatin, Musculskeletal Injury Preventin Prgram, 2010 Wrksafe Alberta. Hazard Assessment & Cntrl. emplyment.alberta.ca/whs/learning/hazards/hazard.htm 60

61 Appendix 4: Sample Supervisr Fllw-up Checklist Material Handling Assessment Frm Date: Lcatin: Emplyee Name: Psitin: Department: Lift Preparatin Assessment Y N N/A Cmments 1. Prper ftwear 2. Obstacles are remved as necessary 3. Determine if equipment is required 4. If equipment is required is it in wrking rder? 5. Pre-start up checklist cmpleted fr required equipment 6. Is anther persn required t help mve the bject? 7. If tw peple are required t mve the material is there cmmunicatin regarding the lift prcedure prir t actin? Lift Prcedure Assessment 8. Feet are shulder width apart 9. Bends int a squat psitin 10. Acquires a pwer grip psitin (palms up) 11. Pwers the lift thrugh their hips and thighs nt back 12. Keeps their head up 13. Keeps the lad clse t their bdy 14. When turning mves feet rather than twists their back 15. When lwering the bject bends int a squat psitin, des nt bend at the back Emplyee Signature: Emplyees Psitin: Assessr Signature: Assessr Psitin: 61

62 Manual Materials Handling Assessment Frm Date: Emplyee Name: Lcatin: Psitin: Department: Lift Preparatin Assessment Y N N/A Cmments 1. Prper ftwear 2. Obstacles are remved as necessary 3. Determine if equipment is required 4. If equipment is required is it in wrking rder? 5. Pre-start up checklist cmpleted fr required equipment 6. Is anther persn required t help mve the bject? Squat Lift 1. Get clse 2. Feet are shulder width apart 3. Bent at the hips using legs 4. Stick their bttm ut 5. Head is up Lateral Shift 1. Stand beside lad with feet shulder width apart 2. Knee clsest t lad is bent with bdy weight shifted ver this leg 3. Grips item and shifts bdy weight t ther leg while bending the knee t absrb the lad Glfer s Lift 1. Places nn lifting hand n a slid item fr supprt and balance 2. As they reach fr the item arm is bent and back leg lifts ff the grund 3. Back is kept straight 4. Head is up Overhead Lwering 1. Stands clse and slides item ut 2. Grips item well, tips it and slides item int bdy using arm and shulder muscles 3. Bends knees slightly as item is lwered t waist level Overhead lifting 1. Steps clse t where lad is ging 2. Bends at the knees and grips the item 3. Stands quickly extending legs 4. Keeping lad clse t the bdy extends arms using shulders and arms t pwer the lad up t rest it n the frnt edge f the shelf 62

63 5. Slides the lad int its final psitin Lifting ver an Obstructin 1. Bent at the hips and reaches ut with bth arms 2. One leg rises ff the grund 3. Grasps the bject and bends their arms 4. Pushes n t the item and rebunds with mmentum t lift item up Pushing and pulling 1. Bends at hips and uses legs 2. Uses tw hands t push/pull with hands just abve waist height 3. Leans weight int lad 4. Can see where they are ging Emplyee Signature: Emplyees Psitin: Assessr Signature: Assessrs Psitin: 63

64 Appendix 5: MMH Hazard Identificatin Checklist This checklist is designed t help identify cmmn MMH hazards based n bservatin f a MMH task(s) and wrker pinin. N measurements When yu can t see smething yu need t ask wrkers fr their pinins Ask mre than ne wrker Other pints n checklist Increased risk f injury due t: frces / repetitin pr cmmunicatin wrker fatigue pstures design f bject r wrk place hw wrk is rganized lack f adequate training / skill 64