Improve the safety and efficiency of activities
Our Happy Health consultants can work with individuals or worker groups to develop a process that can help them adapt their movements to any given situation to improve the safety and efficiency of the activity.
Benefits of ergonomics and manual handling
- Reduce work-related injuries and conditions
- Create a safer, more comfortable environment
- Increase ergonomic and manual handling awareness
- Improve task efficiency and productivity
- Lower future workers’ compensation claims
- Meet your legislative requirements
Common risk factors
- Repetitive movements – Typing on a keyboard, using a computer mouse, assembly line work
- Forceful exertions – Lifting heavy boxes or equipment, pushing or pulling heavy carts and trolleys, tightening bolts and screws
- Awkward postures – Bending or twisting to reach objects, sitting or standing for long periods
- Poor workstation design – Using a chair without proper support, working at a desk that’s too high or low
- Incorrect lifting – Lifting objects with your back bent and not using your legs, overreaching to lift objects that are too far away
- Lack of training – Lack of awareness of ergonomic principles, not shown proper handling techniques
Our 5 basic principles
We use five basic guidelines or ‘rules of engagement’ for working out successful manual handling actions:
Stance
Feet apart and well-balanced for the action.
Posture
This is about maintaining the back in its ‘neutral’ position throughout the whole action. It’s especially important when handling loads or forces. The back should not ‘bend’ through the upper or lower back. Leave the bending for the hips and knees.
Leverage
Avoid reaching out away from the body in any direction. Use your legs to get closer to the object or load.
No twisting
Use the legs to avoid any twisting of the trunk. The body can rotate using legs but is not efficient (or safe) twisting on its own axis.
Timing and pacing
If the action and load can be fully controlled at all times, it’s unlikely to cause damage to either the body or the object or load being handled.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about our ergonomics and manual handling support.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the process of creating a safe, comfortable, and efficient working environment by adapting it to the person rather than forcing the person to do it. It includes choosing the right chairs that support the natural curve of the spine, creating workstations at the correct height to reduce strain, and optimising the layout of tools to minimise repetitive motions.
What is manual handling?
The term manual handling refers to the act of a worker moving or using most of their body to produce the actual work function. It can include lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying objects. A manual handling procedure defines the safest and most efficient use of the body to perform these particular work actions.
How do we know what type of ergonomics and manual handling training we need?
To determine the type of ergonomics and manual handling needed, you need to consider the physical demands of different job roles in your organisation and evaluate current work practices, tasks, and equipment used to identify risks and areas where improvements are needed. You also need to be aware of current legislation and standards to ensure you’re currently compliant. We can complete this complex, time-consuming process for you through Job Analysis.
How are ergonomics and manual handling training delivered?
Both ergonomics and manual handling training can be delivered in a variety of ways. This includes posters, brochures, newsletters, videos, training sessions, active demonstrations on-site, safe working instructions and active safety controls. Training is most effective when it is introduced and demonstrated across the entire business.
