Manual handling activities involve pushing, carrying, moving, pulling, and lifting a load with a bodily force. In our workplaces, manual handling activities are often conducted, in fact, it is a daily routine activity. There is always a need for workers to move a load from one location to the other by themselves. In some workplaces, manual handling may not be as frequent as in other places because they may have automated their processes, introduced machines or have limited manual handling activities. Most times, it is not the load that may be the issue but the repetitive movements of the load can cause a problem to the worker.
Examples of manual handling activities.
- Workers carrying boxes of packed products in a warehouse
- Farm workers pick their farm produce with their hands.
- Masonry workers at a construction site moving a cement bag from the store to the mixing area.
- A cleaner carrying a waste bin away from the office.
Manual handling activities can result in manual handling injuries. Some of the injuries may become fatal if not managed properly. Below are the various injuries associated with manual handling operations.
Manual handling injuries
Back Injuries.
These are the most serious injuries from manual handling operations. Wear and tear can happen at the intervertebral disc in the spine area, the disc will be distorted, and this causes pain and discomfort to the person. The recovery from this type of injury is often slow, and sometimes, surgery may be needed for the correction.
Muscle injuries.
This happens in the muscle areas of the body where the muscle tears as a result of manual handling. This can cause pain and may lead to short-term impairment.
Hernias.
This type of injury happens when the sheet muscle in the gut area is overloaded as a result of manual handling activities, and it distorts and tears. It can be so painful over a long period of time. They are mostly managed through operations.
Work-related upper limb disorder (WRULD)
Work-related upper limb disorder is a chronic soft tissue injury related to the hand, wrist, and arm areas as a result of repetitive movements during manual handling activities. WRULD can be referred to as repetitive strain injury. It involves inflammation of the tissues and muscles, causing pain in the human body. Some can even result in permanent disability if it is not managed properly.
Broken bones, Cuts, Bruises, burns
There could be physical injuries to the hand areas sometimes when the load is sharp, hot, or even bulky. Some cuts may be so deep that surgery may be needed to address them in the hospital. A hot load may result in burns in the hand or body areas. That’s why it’s good to assess the load before carrying it.
Tendon and ligament injuries.
These are injuries to the tendons and ligament areas of the body. The tendon and the ligament can tear or wear as a result of overloading from manual handling activities. The wear and tear will result in pain and discomfort in the life of the person.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
