Manual Handling tasks are all around us!

Whether they’re work related tasks such as operating machinery or packing boxes, or everyday tasks like pushing a shopping trolley or lifting the kids, correct manual handling techniques are extremely important for reducing the risk of sustaining an injury. 

In 2017, Safe Work Australia found that 39.3 percent of work-related injuries were associated with manual handling. Manual handling injuries accounted for significantly higher numbers than slips, trips and falls, hits from moving objects and vehicle incidents.

We’ll be looking at four key areas to consider before you undertake your next manual handling task.

 

What are the principles of manual handling, and why do they matter?

Manual Handling refers to any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, hold or restrain something. Understanding the effort required to perform a task, and adjusting the activity accordingly, will significantly reduce the manual risk involved. There are four key areas to consider when undertaking a manual handling task. We will use the TILE acronym to break these down. In this case, TILE stands for:

T

Task

I

Individual

L

Load

E

Environment

T.I.L.E

TILE is an acronym that aims to help the individual carry out a manual handling risk assessment. By using TILE they are prompted to consider each essential area of the activity in order to improve health and safety (High Speed Training, 2023).

 

Four key areas to consider before performing a manual handling task:

Task:

Referring to having a comprehensive understanding of the manual handling activity being performed. To break it down further, what are the requirements of the activity? For example, the lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling required to complete the task. 

This means considering the manual handling activity itself (i.e. the lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling), and looking at how it may affect your health and safety. For example, does the task involve repetitive movements, strenuous movements, limited rest or recovery periods, long distances, sudden movements or uneven weight distribution?

Individual:

The ‘Individual’ refers to the person who is responsible for carrying out the manual handling task, and understanding any specific risks that may be present based on their individual characteristics. The main considerations for the individual carrying out the task are:

  • How physically strong are they? Does their physical capacity match the inherent requirements of the task? For example, a 60kg individual’s ability to carry a 30kg object will likely differ greatly from a 100kg individual trying to lift the same thing.
  • Are they capable of performing the manual handling task on their own? Or will the task require more than one individual?
  • If assistive equipment is required, have they been trained or upskilled in how to use the equipment?
  • Have they had adequate experience to perform the overall task?

Load:

The ‘Load’ refers to the object being moved, and could be just about anything (including another person). When assessing the load, the main considerations to take into account include:

  • Is the load particularly heavy?
  • A bulky or difficult to hold?
  • Stable or unstable Load?
  • Is it a hot or cold temperature?
  • Sharp or dangerous if dropped?

If risks are found to be present prior to lifting or handling the load, changes can be implemented. If a load is lifted without considering the health and safety aspects, the end result will not benefit the employee or the employer. If the manual handling risks of the load are considered before completing a manual handling task, the risk of a musculoskeletal injury can be significantly reduced.

Environment:

‘Environment’ refers to the area the load is currently in and where it’s going to be moved. The environment needs to be assessed for any potential risks that could make the manual handling task unsafe. For example:

  • How big is the space?
  • Are there any space constraints?
  • Are there any trip hazards between the two locations?
  • Is the floor slippery or uneven? Is there adequate lighting between the two locations?

If there are any potential environmental risks found between where the load is currently situated and where it is to be moved, these risks need to be addressed before the manual handling task is carried out.

Related Programs and Protections

Dynamic warm-up before activity:

A short dynamic warm-up has been shown to increase accuracy, readiness and reaction time in a workplace setting. This warm-up can be as simple as replicating the task at hand three to five times, progressively building speed and volume of movement.

LEARN MORE HERE

Manual handling training:

Manual handling training gives employees the skills to safely undertake manual handling tasks, reducing their risk of injury. Appropriate training can empower participants to ensure they are working safely, comfortably and productively at work.

LEARN MORE HERE

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

Whilst completing a manual handling task, it’s important to consider what PPE is required. Will this PPE make the task more challenging? For example, does it restrict the individual’s movement? Are there other variations of this PPE that could be utilised instead?

The safety of your workplace should be your number one priority. Give the TILE principles a go before your next manual handling task and see the benefits addressing the risk can have on both employees and employers. 

At Employ Health, manual handling is our bread and butter! We love working with businesses to better understand their manual handling risks and assisting them with implementing effective strategies to reduce their injuries associated with this. If you’re ready to propel your business forward, get in touch with us today to organise an individualised consultation about your risk!

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