As our Manual Handling Statistics poster shows, an estimated 11.6 million working days a year are lost to work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders, or MSDs. In fact MSDs are the single biggest cause of workplace injury in the UK! What’s more, many of these injuries could be prevented if people used correct manual handling techniques, or ‘principles of efficient movement’ as they are now known.
What is manual handling?
As we mention in our recent TILE Tool post, manual handling covers a wide variety of tasks including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying. Injuries can occur almost anywhere, when people are at work or at home, and for many reasons like heavy loads, awkward postures. In addition, previous or existing injury can increase the risk.
Poor manual handling
If tasks are not carried out safely then there is a risk of injury. More than a third of all reported workplace injuries which result in someone being off work for more than three days are caused by manual handling. Injuries can also have serious financial implication for employers, including the cost of retraining, wages, overtime and civil liability.
Correct methods of manual handling
In order to help combat the risk posed by MSDs, we have produced an exclusive infographic to remind you and your staff about correct moving and handling techniques. Feel free to print off and display it to remind your colleagues about the importance of efficient movement!!
What next?
RoSPA’s Manual Handling Trainers BTEC (Level 3) qualifies you to deliver effective manual handling training – meaning you can effectively manage the risk posed to you and your colleagues.
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