Safety Alert 129 - Manual Handling

Manual handling tasks are common across the construction industry and can carry serious 
risk. Without proper awareness and technique, they can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, 
lost time injuries, and diminished productivity. 

This Safety Alert aims to equip all personnel with the knowledge and tools needed to 
perform manual handling safely and confidently.

Causes of Injury

When handling objects injury can become prevalent and occur causing:

• Sprains and strains - these are the most common injuries across all workplaces. They typically happen when muscles or ligaments are stretched or torn.
• Back injuries - injuries to the spine, including slipped discs, are common. These injuries can lead to long-term pain and disability.
• Soft tissue injuries - injuries to the wrists, arms, shoulders, neck or legs are often caused by lifting or moving objects improperly.
• Muscle injuries - acute muscular strains occur when workers lift, push, or pull heavy loads in awkward positions, such as away from the body or above shoulder height.
• Tendon injuries - tendon injuries often affect the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle. They occur over time due to repetitive strain and tiny tears in the tendon.
• Nerve injuries - pinched nerves can cause pain, tingling, numbness and weakness. Overuse and pressure on the nerve from surrounding tissues are key risk factors.
• Hernias - hernias can happen not only from heavy lifting but also from prolonged handling of lighter objects. The pressure from constant lifting weakens muscles and increases the risk.
• Chronic pain - this pain develops gradually due to continuous lifting and handling activities, which deteriorate the musculoskeletal system over time.

Prevention

What can be done to prevent injury from occurring:

• Warm-Up
  • Prior to lifting regular warm-ups can be beneficial to help reduce the occurrence of an injury, as well as improving balance, posture and coordination.
• Follow Lifting and Manual Handling Best Practice Techniques
  • Ensure that the load being lifted is within your capacity and will not obstruct your vision.
  • Keep a straight back and good foot placement to keep your body stabilised.
  • Bend your knees to get down to the object, and when lifting, straighten your legs gradually.
  • Keep the load close to your body when lifting.
  • When lifting the object, make sure you have a firm grip using the palm of your hands and the fingers.
  • When encountering sharp or hot materials always wear gloves.
  • If an object is unable to be lifted by yourself or with the help of a colleague, mechanical assistance should be used.

For further information or feedback regarding this Safety Alert, please contact EGT 
on (08) 6241 6100 or talk to your Field Officer