3.

Safe Practices for Manual Handling

A hazardous manual task is associated with the following activities:

The Anatomy of the Back

The back is a complicated structure. It is made up of vertebrae, discs, the spinal cord,

nerves, ligaments, muscles, tendons, veins and arteries.

▪ The back is a complicated structure. It is made up of vertebrae, discs, the

spinal cord, nerves, ligaments, muscles, tendons, veins and arteries.

▪ The back has four natural curves.

▪ The spine has twenty-four bones (called vertebrae).

▪ The discs between these vertebrae absorb shock.

▪ The muscles and joints at the back receive the least strain in an upright

posture which maintains the natural curves.

▪ These natural curves should be maintained in order to prevent back pain and

disorders.

Posture

Good posture is not about straining to stand up straight it is supposed to be

relatively easy and comfortable.

cles

and ligaments get used to being in a certain position. For example, in a constant

slouched position the back is hunched and the shoulders forward. The back muscles

are always stretched and the chest muscles grow tight. When you straighten up these

muscles have to work hard and cannot fully relax. The more you practice good

posture, the easier it gets.

Force (time of task, weight,

distance moved)

Repetition (how often is

action/task repeated)

Posture (position of body with

and without lift equipment)

Load (force application on

individual body parts)

Learner Guide 2 Version No. 2.1 Produced 18 October 2019

© Compliant Learning Resources Page 74

Lifting posture

larger muscles for force and maintain good posture in your back. This posture

minimises wear and tear on your body and minimises manual handling risks.

The semi-squat position

• back in neutral position maintain curves of spine

• hips flexed

• knees bent

• feet positioned about a shoulder width apart

• your bottom should stick out

• when you begin lifting, maintain neck in neutral position

Assess your own posture

Sometimes we are unaware of our own postural habits and how we use our bodies.

Try to become more aware of how you are using your body during your usual work

routines and make adjustments if necessary. If you are unsure about the best

postures to adopt for certain activities, you could ask for an assessment and some
feedback from a suitably qualified person. Your service provider should be able to

help you with this.

As a preliminary assessment ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you have good sitting and standing postures?

• Do you try to avoid bending over a task for prolonged periods?

• Do you maintain the natural curves of your spine as much as possible?

• Do you adjust your surroundings so you can maintain good posture whatever

your task?

• What could you work on over the next few weeks to improve your postural

habits?

Manual Handling Equipment

One of the main hazards faced by care staff in Aged Care facilities and community

settings involves the transfer and lifting of people in a variety of situations.

has been introduced.

This system is based on eliminating the need for staff members to bear a significant

amount of the person's weight by using manual handling equipment and other aids.

Assessment and competency based training in manual handling skills and use of

manual handling equipment is given to staff in order to assist in the implementation

of this principle.

Learner Guide 2 Version No. 2.1 Produced 18 October 2019

© Compliant Learning Resources Page 75

Equipment is available to prevent injuries. There are various equipment available to

assist in the care of person that needs assistance with their personal care. Workplace

health and safety is always of prime importance when it comes to the care of a

person and work tasks must always be handled with safety in mind. The instructions
for equipment use must always be followed and always follow organizational policy

and procedures. This includes attending training in manual tasks and to be

competent in the safe use of equipment. If equipment is faulty report it to your

supervisor immediately and seek guidance.

Here are a couple of important to remember when carrying manual tasks:

• Plan ahead. Apply and conduct a risk assessment of the environment

• Refer to the persons care plan

• Explain the procedure to the person and ascertain with the person the degree

of support required

• Attend to the tasks with the recommended number of personnel

• Maintain the persons privacy and dignity at all times

• Use manual handling equipment (e.g. hoist) correctly as per your training and

• Encourage the person to help as much as possible when moving and lifting

• Attend relevant training

• Report to your supervisor if you have any concerns