↑ 1.0 1.1 Directive 90/269/EEC - manual handling of loads, of 29 May 1990 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the manual handling of loads where there is a risk particularly of back injury to workers (fourth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). Available at: ↑ Eurostat, Causes of accidents at work by physical activity, ESAW 1. No risk assessment of work activities 2. Lack of safe system of work plans 3. Mechanical aids were not provided and maintained 4. Adequate training was not provided 5. No evidence of work supervision There are certain characteristics that can result in something being seen as risk-prone when it comes to manual handling: Manual handling occurs in almost all working environments, though workers in construction, agriculture, hotels and restaurants are most likely to be exposed to heavy loads. This web summery provides information on hazards linked to manual handling, their risk assessment and preventive measures, including correct manual handling of loads techniques. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 define it as 'any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force'. Manual handling risk assessment Controlling manual handling risks Good lifting technique Manual handling legal obligations 4. Your elected Health and Safety Representative and your workplace occupational health and safety coordinator. Your doctor. WorkSafe Victoria Tel. (03) 9641 1444 or 1800 136 089 (toll free) - for general enquiries. WorkSafe Victoria Emergency Response Line Tel. 13 23 60 - to report serious workplace emergencies, seven days, 24 hours. Typical hazards of manual handling include: the lifting of the load which is too heavy or too cumbersome, resulting in the back injury or pain; The poor posture during the lifting operation or poor lifting techniques or methods, resulting in back injury; The lifting sharp-edged or the hot loads that result in hand injuries. The Hazardous manual tasks code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.38 MB) provides guidance that will assist in answering these questions. 1. Does the task involve any of the following: repetitive movement? sustained or awkward postures? repetitive or sustained forces? 20 2.10 Some general principles for reducing risks associated with manual handling, which should be incorporated into the design of workspaces, plant and equipment are: (a) minimise the lifting and lowering forces exerted; (b) avoid the need for bending, twisting and reaching movements; and (c) reduce pushing, pulling, carrying and holding. 2.11 Aspects to consider at the design stage include: It has four curves, two of which, thoracic and pelvic, are concave and are formed before we are born. The other two, cervical and lumbar, are convex and are formed when we begin to sit up and walk. The vertebrae are bound together by powerful ligaments, and stabilised by small muscles along the entire length of each side of the vertebral column. Duties of employers. 4. — (1) Each employer shall—. (a) so far as is reasonably practicable, avoid the need for his employees to undertake any manual handling operations at work which involve a risk of their being injured; or. (b) where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid the need for his employees to undertake any manual handling p