Risk Guide: Manual Handling

Risk Guide: Manual Handling Date Description of Original Document/Amendments Prepared/Edited By 11/06/14 Initial Draft Jasmina Lozanovska 17/06/14 Released Version Jasmina Lozanovska 30/09/14 Released Version Nil Jasmina amendment Lozanovska 27/08/15 Released Version Nil Jasmina amendment Lozanovska Approved By Michelle Gagovski Michelle Gagovski Michelle Gagovski Michelle Gagovski Page 1 of 21

Risk Guide: Manual Handling Introduction: Manual handling is any activity that involves lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining. It also includes sustained and awkward postures or repetitive movements. Hazardous manual handling can lead to injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs. Some of these injuries are referred to as sprains and strains, back injuries, lower back pain, soft-tissue injuries to the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs or abdominal hernias. Collectively, these conditions are known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Good manual handling techniques can help to prevent such injuries. Cleaning Melbourne s Risk Guide: Manual Handling is a Guide for employees in safe manual handling practices. All employees are responsible for following the steps detailed in this Guide for any manual handling activity as defined above. Manual Handling: Manual handling tasks are part of the job for cleaners, but in certain circumstances they can be hazardous and cause injuries. Cleaning Melbourne has a moral and legal responsibility to protect its employees from manual handling injuries. At the same time, employees have a general duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees are also obligated to cooperate with Cleaning Melbourne s efforts to make the workplace safe. To achieve these responsibilities employees must: Use manual handling equipment properly Follow Cleaning Melbourne s policies and procedures (EG: No Lift Policy) Attend health and safety training Undertake any further training required Not take any shortcuts that could increase the risks associated with manual handling Notify Cleaning Melbourne of any hazardous manual handling tasks that they become aware of. How to Recognise Hazardous Manual Handling Tasks: Identifying hazardous manual handling tasks can help Cleaning Melbourne take action to eliminate or reduce the risk of manual handling activities being hazardous to employees. Suggesting modifications to the way a task is performed or suggesting aids and equipment that may make tasks safer can be ways employees can help to reduce the occurrence of hazardous manual handling tasks in the workplace and thus musculoskeletal injuries. Employees, as well as Cleaning Melbourne, can take the following steps to further ensure hazardous manual handling tasks are recognised and managed. Step 1: Identify which tasks involve Hazardous Manual Handling Evaluate all work tasks which involve manual handling to determine which pose a risk of MSDs in the workplace. Use the attached Manual Handling Risk Factor Table, Manual Handling Hazard Identification Worksheet, Manual Handling Risk Assessment Worksheet, Manual Page 2 of 21

Handling Risk Control Worksheet, Manual Handling Action Plan and Manual Handling Safe Work Procedure Worksheet to: List all the tasks that involve manual handling Identify the tasks that involve hazardous manual handling Prioritise the tasks to be assessed. Step 2: Carry Out Risk Assessments of Hazardous Manual Handling Tasks Do an assessment of all hazardous manual handling tasks. Ensure your assessments is as detailed as possible. Remember to take into account factors including postures, movements, forces, duration, frequency of task and environmental factors (such as heat, cold and lighting levels). A risk assessment record helps you to: Select and maintain appropriate risk controls Evaluate the effectiveness of these risk controls in subsequent risk assessments Avoid introducing tasks that may result in MSDs Avoid unnecessarily assessing a task more than once. Step 3: Develop and Implement Solutions Once you have carried out a risk assessment, you will need to develop and implement solutions. To eliminate or reduce the risk of a MSD associated with a hazardous manual handling task, one or more of the following risk controls must be used: Alter your workplace layout, workstation design, the working position of employees or the environment conditions where the task involving manual handling is taking place by changing the height, placement and design of equipment, furniture and objects used (EG: provide equipment with adjustable height, provide workers with adequate work space) Alter the systems of work used to carry out the manual handling task Change the objects used in the manual handling task (EG: provide adjustable platforms, scissor lifts, suspended hand tools, tools with anti-vibration or anti-kickstart features) Use mechanical aids (EG: trolleys, conveyors, hoists or forklifts) to move objects; or A combination of the above methods. * For some tasks, you may need to use several risk controls to eliminate or reduce the risk of MSDs associated with a hazardous manual handling task. If none of these controls are practicable, you may use information, training or instruction in manual handling techniques to reduce the risk. However, such methods may not be solely or primarily implemented unless other risk controls are demonstrated as being impracticable. Page 3 of 21

Key Contacts: David Gagovski Managing Director Cleaning Melbourne Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 BE CLEAN (1300 232 532) Email: david@cleaningmelbourne.net.au Michelle Gagovski Business Manager Cleaning Melbourne Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 BE CLEAN (1300 232 532) Email: michelle@cleaningmelbourne.net.au Jasmina Lozanovska Office Administration Assistant Cleaning Melbourne Pty Ltd Ph: 1300 BE CLEAN (1300 232 532) Email: jasmina@cleaningmelbourne.net.au Page 4 of 21

Manual Handling Tips: Lifting Objects Cleaning Inside Bathtubs/ Spa Baths Cleaning Mirrors, Tiles and Glass Walls TIPS FOR CORRECTLY: Test the weight of the object Plan route Wide stance Bend knees Get close to the object Obtain a firm grip Maintain a stable position Tighten stomach Use your legs Keep your back straight Lift smoothly Avoid or minimise bending, twisting and reaching out with weight Avoid repetitive or awkward postures (EG: bending and kneeling) Improve posture by using tools with long handles or extended poles Use tools with flexible cleaning head frame that can clean both contoured and flat surfaces Avoid repetitive or awkward postures (EG: cleaning above shoulder height by reaching upwards) Avoid reaching by use equipment with a long handle or extendable pole Reduce force and repetitive gripping Use chemicals that are safe and require less effort to use Use materials that require less effort to use (EG: specially treated cotton cloths or microfibre sponges and cloths) Use equipment suited to the size of the surface areas being cleaned (EG: handled sponges with larger heads for cleaning large areas) EXAMPLES: Page 5 of 21

Manual Handling Tips (continue) Cleaning Showers TIPS FOR CORRECTLY: Avoid repetitive or awkward postures and sustained force (EG: bending, reaching above shoulder height, twisting the back, squatting, kneeling, wiping and scrubbing) Improve posture by using tools with long handles or extended poles Use tools with flexible cleaning head frame that can clean both contoured and flat surfaces Use heads or brushes specifically designed to fit easily into crevices and grooves Use chemicals that are safe and require less effort to use Use materials that require less effort to use (EG: specially treated cotton cloths or microfibre sponges and cloths) Use equipment suited to the size of the surface areas being cleaned (EG: handled sponges with larger heads for cleaning large areas) EXAMPLES: Cleaning Tables and Desks Avoid repetitive or awkward postures (EG: cleaning large tables, cleaning low tables and cleaning desks by reaching, bending or twisting) Improve posture by using tools with long handles or extended poles (EG: use a long handled duster or washcloth) sff Page 6 of 21

Manual Handling Tips (continue): Cleaning Toilets and Urinals TIPS FOR CORRECTLY: Avoid repetitive or awkward postures (EG: cleaning large toilets or urinals by bending the back) Improve posture by using tools with long handles or extended poles (EG: longhandled brushes/sponges) Use tools with flexible cleaning head frames that can clean both contoured and flat surfaces Use a steam-cleaning machine with a variety of tools or necessary accessories to clean urinals and inside, outside and behind toilets Avoid repetitive or awkward postures and sustained force (EG: cleaning the surface of toilets or urinals by using force with one hand while in an awkward posture) Eliminate or reduce repetitive and sustained force by using cleaning chemicals that are safe and require less effort to use and long handled tools with suitable brushes that require less effort to use (EG: bristle brush) EXAMPLES: Emptying Rubbish Bins Avoid repetitive, sustained or awkward postures (EG: collecting waste by bending and reaching arms away from the body or inserting new bin liners by bending) Reducing bending by positioning the bin on an elevated surface before emptying contents, use slimmer/taller bins, and regularly empty bins so they do not become too heavy Page 7 of 21

Manual Handling Tips (continue): TIPS FOR CORRECTLY: Mopping Avoid repetitive or sustained postures (EG: mopping surfaces by bending, positioning the elbow away from the body, overextending during push and pull movements and the figure-eight method and excessive wrist bending and twisting) Improve posture and reduce the risk of injury by using mops with extendable handles, mop small sections at a time to avoid extended reaching, step or shift legs to avoid twisting the upper body, use mechanised floor cleaning machines for medium to large areas, use bucket-less mops (EG: spray mops for small areas) Avoid repetitive or sustained movements (EG: wringing mops using hand squeeze mop buckets by bending and positioning the elbow away from the body) Use mechanised floor cleaning machines Use tall mop buckets or raise the mop bucket off the floor to reduce the bending force required to wring the water Moving Furniture, Rugs and Mats Keep elbows close to the body Avoid repetitive or sustained awkward postures (EG: moving furniture, rugs or mats below knee-height by bending and twisting) Reduce bending, twisting and high force by following Cleaning Melbourne s No Lift Policy, use cleaning equipment with handles with sufficient length so the cleaning head can be pushed under furniture, roll rugs and mats to expose the surface requiring cleaning EXAMPLES: Page 8 of 21

Manual Handling Tips (continue): TIPS FOR CORRECTLY: Vacuuming Avoid repetitive or sustained awkward postures (EG: vacuuming by bending and twisting the back and reaching forwards and sideways) To reduce bending, twisting and reaching by using mechanised cleaning machines for large floor areas, use extendable wand lengths or extra rods/tubes for lengthening wands, keep shoulder and elbow in a natural position close to the body, minimise body movements while vacuuming EXAMPLES: Page 9 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Factor Table LOOK AT LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM THE SOLUTION Actions and movements Bending forward/sideways Increased stress and strain to spine, Perform all movements (including Twisting back muscles and smoothly, in a repetitive Discomfort or pain limbs controlled, balanced, actions and Sudden jerky movements comfortable position movements) Repetitive bending, Minimise repetitive twisting or overreaching bending, twisting and overreaching Workplace /work station layout Working posture and position Load location and distances moved Duration and frequency Weights and forces Reaching above shoulder height or below mid-thigh Poor positioning of tools, controls, equipment or other materials Confined working positions or cramped workspace Objects that limit feet and leg movement and are held away from the body Tasks performed in one position for a long time Repetitive or frequent tasks performed in an uncomfortable position Loads moved a long distance or putting loads in specified or difficult locations Repetitive tasks performed for long periods, or at high speed, without a break Consider the weight of the load in relation to: Actions and movements Affects the posture and technique, restricts movement and causes muscles to tire Increases stress on the muscles and the spine Unbalanced load to the body Tires the muscles even if no load is involved Repetitive or frequent bent or twisted posture increases load on the back Stress on muscles increases risk of injury Muscle fatigue increases risk of injury Psychological impact The heavier the load, the greater the stress on the spine and muscle movements Carry out most work at waist level, within easy reach Position tools, controls, equipment and furniture to allow work to be done in a comfortable, upright position Hold loads close to body Perform variety of work tasks during the day or take regular breaks Carry out work in a comfortable position with regular changes in position and posture Store loads at an approximate height in close proximity to where they will be used Provide adequate space to facilitate ease of loading Perform a variety of work tasks during the day or take regular breaks Provide loads that are light and easy to handle Page 10 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Factor Table (continue) LOOK AT LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM THE SOLUTION Weights and forces Working posture and position when lifting When a person is seated there is extra Use mechanical aids or team lifting for (continue) Duration and frequency stress when they heavy loads of manual handling apply force or lift loads Change posture and Location of loads and distances moved Posture and working conditions affect the working conditions as necessary Characteristics of load risk associated with The risk of injury may Situations when: applying a force to increase when: Holding or restraining push, pull or restrain Lifting weights of does not result in an object more than 4.5kg movement Even light loads while seated Pushing levers or present a problem if Lifting weights more pulling objects, where they are lifted than 16-20kg the force may not relate incorrectly, Pushing, pulling and to the movement (EG: a repetitively, at speed, sliding objects that large force required to or in an unsafe are difficult to move move a lever a short environment Generally weights distance) over 55kg should not be lifted although any weight can be hazardous in certain Characteristics of loads Loads that are difficult to hold EG: awkward shapes, slippery surface or obscure vision Unpredictable or animate objects EG: people, animals or unstable loads Hot or cold loads that can t be held close to the body Stumbling with a load can strain the spine and back muscles Holding a load away from the body increases stress on the back and limbs circumstances Hold loads close to the body Provide loads that are compact, rigid and predictable, preferably with handles Use mechanical aids, straps or trolleys or team lifting Use PPE EG: gloves for hot, cold or slippery loads (while gloves may protect against burns/abrasions they adversely affect grip, strength and dexterity) Aprons may allow a load to be held close to the body but may affect mobility and comfort Page 11 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Factor Table (continue) LOOK AT LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM THE SOLUTION Work Poor work schedule and Fatigue and stress Eliminate organisation work procedures Pressure to lift by unnecessary manual Busy periods without themselves handling breaks Psychological impact Provide work Inadequate staff numbers schedules and work procedures that Unsuitable or insufficient mechanical aids allow for frequent rest periods and job rotation Unnecessary handling Organise work so it flows smoothly Ensure mechanical aids are available as required Train in safe team lifting procedures and use only where other means are not Work environment Skills and experience Slippery or uneven floors and rough ground Cluttered, confined workspaces Vibrating machinery Inadequate lighting Hot and cold environments Inadequate training or inexperienced staff Age Workers under 18 years of age, or older workers, performing manual handling tasks Consider the individual s fitness and physical suitability for the task not only their age Slips and falls Damage to spine and limbs Back and limb pain Risk of injury is increased if safe work procedures are unknown Older workers may be less able to cope with certain physical work Young developing bodies are more easily injured available Provide even, slipresistant floors Provide an uncluttered, well lit workplace Provide vibration free machinery or limit exposure to vibration Train all workers in the safest way to perform each task Ensure workers understand how to care for their bodies Don t assess risk on age alone older workers may compensate for physical loss with experience and skill Generally, workers under 18 years should not be required to lift, lower or carry objects weighing more than 16kg without Page 12 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Factor Table (continue) LOOK AT LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM THE SOLUTION Age (continue) mechanical or other assistance, or without specific training for the task Consider all relevant Clothing Inappropriate clothing may restrict movement EG: tight uniform, slippery shoes, loose gloves Special needs (permanent or temporary) Any other factors Workers returning from injury or illness, leave or with special needs EG: pregnancy, person with a disability, new to the job Any other considerations unique to the workplace, task or worker May affect posture and cause slips, trips and falls May affect grip resulting in unplanned or sudden movements People with permanent or temporary physical limitations may require: Time to build their physical capabilities sufficiently to perform the job Changes to the job Changes to the workplace May be difficult to address unique or unusual situational factors risk factors Provide proper clothing, footwear and PPE that allows workers to perform tasks with confidence and without restriction Take into account permanent or temporary special needs when: Designing the workplace Allocating work Developing procedures Developing suitable duties and the return to work plan Include in risk assessment even if not always applicable Page 13 of 21

Manual Handling Hazard Identification Worksheet Task description and location: Task on this sheet identified from (tick one only): Incident records Direct observation of work Consultation Other, please describe Information: 1. How many workers do this task? 2. How long do they do it? (duration) 3. How often do they do it? (frequency) 4. How many workers have reported pain from this task? 5. How many injuries have been attributed to this task? 6. What risk factors appear to be the main problem(s) with this task? Actions and movements Workplace and workstation layout Working postures/positions Load location and distances moved Duration and frequency Weights and forces Characteristics of loads and equipment Work organisation Work environment Skills and experience of worker Age of worker Clothing Special needs of worker Other factors (please describe) Page 14 of 21

Manual Handling Hazard Identification Worksheet (continue) 7. Are there other similar tasks? Yes No 8. If so, how do we manage them currently? 9. Does this task require a more detailed risk assessment? Yes, complete the Manual Handling Risk Assessment Worksheet and Manual Handling Risk Control Worksheet. No, copy this for filing and make available for consultation. Developed by: Date: Page 15 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Assessment Worksheet Task description and location: POSTURES/ACTIONS Actions and movements Bending or twisting the back Reaching/working above the shoulder Reaching/working below mid - thigh height Sudden or jerky movements Repetitive bending, twisting or overreaching Workplace and workstation layout DURATION/FREQUENCY Task is done for a long time by one worker A repetitive action is done at speed LOAD/FORCE Load location and distances moved The object is carried, pushed or pulled over a long distance or unnecessarily handled Weight and forces Workplace layout makes it hard to reach things involved in the task Work heights and/or seat heights unsuitable Insufficient space for all necessary movements Mechanical aids are not available or easily accessible Working postures and positions There is frequent or prolonged forward bending or stretching of the back There is frequent or prolonged twisting or sideways bending or stretching More than 4.5kg lifted while sitting More than 16kg is lifted while standing Combined with other risk categories: It is necessary to pull, push or side objects that are difficult to move A large force is applied white seated Characteristics of loads and equipment Live loads are manually lifted or moved Objects handled are large or have awkward shapes Objects are hard to grasp and hold Objects are wet, greasy and dirty and cannot be held close to the body (EG: very hot or cold) The object blocks the view when handled The load is unstable or may move suddenly Page 16 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Assessment Worksheet (continue) MANAGEMENT/ENVIRONMENT Work organisation There are busy periods when workers have difficulty keeping up with demands and no rest/recovery breaks Workers are not available for team lifting when required Manual handling equipment is not regularly maintained or is unsuitable or unavailable Work environment Floor are slippery or uneven There are different floor levels in the work area The work area is cluttered or untidy or confined Lighting is inadequate for the task Work is done in very hot, cold or windy conditions There is vibrating machinery Clothing Protective clothing or equipment is unsuitable or unavailable (EG: slippery shoes, loose gloves and clothing that restricts movement) Skills and experience Age Workers have not received appropriate training in manual handling Workers have not been properly instructed in safe work procedures Demands of the task exceed the physical capacity or experience of the workers Workers under 18 performing strenuous repetitive tasks, or lifting objects weighing more than 16 kgs Older workers performing tasks unsuitable for their physical capabilities Special needs There are workers at higher risk (EG: due to injury, pregnancy, recent illness, new employees or persons with a disability) OTHER Are there other risk factors not covered by the checklist? Provide details: Page 17 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Control Worksheet Elimination Can the manual handling task be eliminated? For example, redesign work activity, object or working environment. Yes, how can this be done? No Substitution Can the hazard be substituted with one that gives rise to a lesser risk? For example, reduce load size and shape. Yes, how can this be done? No Isolation Can the hazard be isolated from the worker at risk? For example, remote manual handling techniques. Yes, how can this be done? No Engineering Can engineering controls be used? For example, modify equipment or provide mechanical aids. Page 18 of 21

Manual Handling Risk Control Worksheet (continue) Yes, how can this be done? No Administration Can administrative controls be used? For example, change work practice, implement job rotation, training, develop/implement safe work procedure. Yes, how can this be done? No What training or instruction may be required? Personal protective equipment What PPE could be used to reduce the risks? For example, use gloves to improve handling or load. Yes, how can this be done? No Page 19 of 21

Manual Handling Action Plan Complete the action plan for all tasks that have completed risk assessment and control worksheets. Attach references to other documents such as drawings, detailed plans and work procedures. Outline how you will involve workers and what actions will be taken to improve the management of this risk. Work location/department Task Description Control Measures Approved By Implementation Date Person Responsible Evaluation Date Progress Page 20 of 21

Manual Handling Safe Work Procedure Worksheet Task description and location: Steps Risks Controls Developed by: Manager s name Worker s name Manager s signature Worker s signature Date created Review date Page 21 of 21