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manual materials handling

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Manual Materials Handling Safety ================================

Date: 2025-07-30

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to educate workers on how to safely handle materials manually to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Introduction

This toolbox talk covers safe manual materials handling (MMH) practices to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). It emphasizes hazard assessment, proper lifting techniques, and the use of equipment to minimize strain.

Presenter Note: Start by emphasizing the importance of preventing musculoskeletal injuries.

Key Points

  • Assess the Load: Before lifting any load, conduct a hazard assessment to evaluate the weight, size, shape, number of times the load will be moved, and how it will be moved. This assessment helps in determining the safest method for handling the load. [1]
  • Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Stand close to the load with a wide stance for balance. Ensure you have a firm grip and keep your arms straight. Tighten your abdominal muscles and tuck your chin into your chest to maintain a stable posture. [2]
  • Use Mechanical Aids or Team Lifting: When lifting heavy or awkward loads, use mechanical aids such as hoists, lift trucks, dollies, or wheelbarrows. If mechanical aids are not available, get help with the load. Team lifting requires coordination and communication to ensure safety. [5]

[4]

  • Keep Pathways Clear: Ensure the path to the planned location of the load is clear of grease, oil, water, litter, and debris to prevent slips and falls. [2]
  • Wear Appropriate PPE: Wear appropriate PPE, including lightweight, flexible, tear and puncture-resistant clothing, safety boots with slip-resistant soles, and protective gloves suitable for the materials being handled. Avoid wearing clothing that may interfere with lifting. [5]
  • Report Musculoskeletal Injury Symptoms: If a worker reports symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, the employer must review the worker's activities and those of other workers doing similar tasks to identify work-related causes and take corrective measures to prevent further injuries. [1]

Hazard Identification

Identifying hazards associated with manual materials handling is the first step in preventing injuries.

  • Lifting heavy loads: Back injuries, muscle strains, hernias
  • Awkward postures: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
  • Repetitive motions: Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Slippery or uneven surfaces: Slips, trips, and falls leading to sprains, fractures, or other injuries
  • Poor handholds: Loss of grip, dropped objects, hand and finger injuries

Presenter Note: Encourage workers to actively participate in identifying hazards specific to their tasks.

Control Measures

Discuss the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE) and how it applies to manual materials handling.

  • Use mechanical aids (e.g., carts, dollies, hoists): Provide and maintain equipment to reduce manual lifting. Train workers on proper usage. [6]
  • Implement team lifting: When loads are too heavy or awkward for one person, use a team lift. Select team members of similar height and strength, assign a leader, and practice team lifting techniques. [4]
  • Improve handholds and gripping aids: Use containers with handles or cut-out handholds. Provide gripping aids such as lifting straps or gloves to improve grip. [3]

[8] [3]

  • Adjust workstation height: Adjust the height of workstations or platforms to minimize bending and reaching.
  • Provide training on safe lifting techniques: Train workers on proper lifting techniques, including how to assess loads, maintain proper posture, and avoid twisting. [1]
  • Ensure proper housekeeping: Keep storage areas and pathways clear of obstructions, debris, and spills to prevent slips, trips, and falls. [7]

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Assess the load for weight, size, and stability.
  2. Plan the lifting and moving path, ensuring it is clear of obstructions.
  3. Use proper lifting techniques: bend your knees, keep your back straight, and hold the load close to your body.
  4. Communicate clearly with team members during team lifts.
  5. Use mechanical aids whenever possible to reduce strain.
  6. Report any pain or discomfort immediately.

Presenter Note: Review relevant safe work procedures and ensure workers understand and follow them.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Gloves: Wear gloves to improve grip and protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and punctures.
    • Inspect gloves for damage before use.
    • Choose gloves appropriate for the materials being handled.
  • Safety Boots: Wear safety boots with slip-resistant soles to provide foot protection and prevent slips and falls.
    • Ensure boots fit properly.
    • Check soles for wear and tear regularly.
  • Appropriate Clothing: Wear lightweight, flexible, tear and puncture-resistant clothing to allow for ease of movement and protection. [5]

Always inspect your PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A worker attempted to lift a heavy box without assessing the weight or using proper lifting techniques. As a result, they suffered a severe back strain and were unable to work for several weeks. This incident highlights the importance of following safe manual handling practices to prevent injuries.

Presenter Note: Share a real-world example of a manual handling injury to emphasize the importance of following safe practices.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are some common manual handling tasks we perform here?
  2. What are the biggest challenges we face when handling materials manually?
  3. How can we improve our manual handling practices to prevent injuries?

Presenter Note: Facilitate an open discussion about manual handling challenges and potential solutions.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Stop the task immediately if you feel pain or discomfort.
  2. Report any injuries or incidents to your supervisor.
  3. Seek first aid or medical attention as needed.

Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions related to manual materials handling safety.

  • Q: What should I do if a load is too heavy to lift alone?

A: Assess the load's weight, size, and shape. Use proper lifting techniques, and get help or use equipment if needed.

  • Q: What should I do if I experience pain while lifting?

A: Report it to your supervisor immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.

  • Q: How can I prevent slips, trips, and falls while handling materials?

A: Keep pathways clear, use proper footwear, and take your time.

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Always assess the load before lifting.
  • Use proper lifting techniques to minimize strain.
  • Utilize mechanical aids or team lifting for heavy or awkward loads.
  • Report any pain or discomfort immediately.

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

  1. Review and understand the safe work procedures for manual materials handling.
  2. Report any potential hazards or unsafe conditions to your supervisor.
  3. Actively participate in hazard assessments and safety discussions.

Remember: Safe Lifting: Protect Your Body!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] MMH - Hoisting and Moving Heavy Objects

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Open source document

Source excerpt

CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Manual Materials Handling (MMH) # MMH - Hoisting and Moving Heavy Objects ## On this page What equipment can be used to help with heavy objects? ## What equipment can be used to help with heavy objects? Selecting the right equipment for the task minimizes handling. - Use a cart, trolley or platform. - Consider carts with hand brakes for more control on inclines, or powered hand carts for stairs. - Use carts designed for specific purposes (e.g. holding cylinders) as needed. - Use a pulley to eliminate manual lifting. - Select multiple pulleys according to the weight of the object to be hoisted. - Mount pulley on movable frame to lift and move heavy objects. MMH - Hoisting and Moving Heavy Objects CCOHS

[2] MMH - Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids - II

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CCOHSOCCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Manual Materials Handling (MMH) # MMH - Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids - II On this page What should I know about grip aids? ## What should I know about grip aids? Gripping aids are used to lift or carry awkward loads that do not have handles. For more information on grip, please see MMH - Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids - I. Various types of grip aids are available depending on the task, including: Lifting straps for cylindrical objects. Carrying handles for boxes. MMH - Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids - II CCOHS

[3] MMH - Team Handling

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail # Manual Materials Handling (MMH) # MMH - Team Handling On this page What is team handling? What should be done when lifting and carrying long objects as a team? What should be done when lifting and moving furniture as a team? ## What is team handling? "Team handling" occurs when more than one person is involved during the lift. - Use team lifting and carrying where other solutions are inappropriate. - Remember that the combined strength of the team is less than the sum of individual strength. - Select team members of similar height and strength. - Assign a leader to the team. - Determine a set of commands to be used, such as "lift," "walk," "stop," and "down." Make sure that everyone knows what to do when they hear the command. - Follow the commands given by the team leader. - Practice team lifting and carrying together before attempting the task. ## What should be done when lifting and carrying long objects as a team? - Use a shoulder pad to reduce compression. - Carry the load on the same shoulder. By doing so, if the load begins to fall, both workers can step out of the way safely. - Walk in step. Note that if the load is flexible, walking out of step may help prevent the load from bouncing. MMH - Team Handling CCOHS

[4] MMH - Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids - I

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# MMH - Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids - I (cont.) ## Does a good grip matter? (cont.) Use containers with handles located more than halfway up the side of the container. - Use the "ledge grip" to handle regularly shaped objects without handles. - Hold the object with hands placed diagonally. Hands positioned diagonally Wear gloves where practical. MMH - Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids - I CCOHS

[5] MMH - General Practice

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# MMH - General Practice (cont.) ## What should you do before lifting? (cont.) - Be sure that the path to the planned location of the load is clear. Grease, oil, water, litter, and debris can cause slips and falls. - Determine if a particular handling and lifting technique is needed for the load or material being handled (for example, compact loads, small bags, large sacks, drums and barrels, cylinders, and sheet materials like metal or glass). - Do not lift if you are not sure that you can handle the load safely. ## What are some general tips for lifting? - Prepare for the lift by warming up the muscles. - Stand close to the load and face the way you intend to move. - Use a wide stance to gain balance. - Be sure you have a good grip on the load. - Keep arms straight. - Tighten abdominal muscles. - Tuck chin into the chest. - Initiate the lift with body weight. - Lift the load as close to and as centred to the body as possible. - Lift smoothly without jerking. - Avoid twisting and side bending while lifting. - Avoid carrying loads with only one hand. - Use a team lift where required. Fact sheet confirmed current: 2025-01-21 ## Disclaimer Fact sheet last revised: 2019-06-04 Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. MMH - General Practice CCOHS

[6] MMH - General Practice

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CCOHSOCCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Manual Materials Handling (MMH) # MMH - General Practice ## On this page What types of protective clothing should be worn when lifting? What should you do before lifting? What are some general tips for lifting? ## What types of protective clothing should be worn when lifting? DO WEAR - Lightweight, flexible, tear and puncture-resistant clothing. - Appropriate footwear, such as safety boots with slip-resistant soles. - Protective gloves that are appropriate for the materials being handled. ## DO NOT WEAR - Clothing that may interfere or 'snag' on the object you are lifting, such as aprons, coats or clothing with exposed buttons, zippers or loose flaps. - Large or bulky mitts that limit your grasp. ## What should you do before lifting? - Always check before lifting to see if mechanical aids such as hoists, lift trucks, dollies, or wheelbarrows are available. - Get help with heavy or awkward loads. - Assess and identify the weight of the load. - Be sure that you can lift the load without over-exertion. - Be sure that the load is "free" to move. - Check that the load's contents are stable and balanced. Repack items so the contents will not shift, where possible. - Check that the planned location of the load is free of obstacles and debris. MMH - General Practice CCOHS

[7] Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (OSHA 29 CFR 1926) - 1926.250 - General requirements for storage

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear to provide for the free and safe movement of material handling equipment or employees. Such areas shall be kept in good repair. 1926.250(a)(4) When a difference in road or working levels exist, means such as ramps, blocking, or grading shall be used to ensure the safe movement of vehicles between the two levels. ## 1926.250(b) Material storage. ## 1926.250(b)(1) Material stored inside buildings under construction shall not be placed within 6 feet of any hoistway or inside floor openings, nor within 10 feet of an exterior wall which does not extend above the top of the material stored. - 1926.250(b)(2) Each employee required to work on stored material in silos, hoppers, tanks, and similar storage areas shall be equipped with personal fall arrest equipment meeting the requirements of subpart M of this part. - 1926.250(b)(3) Noncompatible materials shall be segregated in storage. - 1926.250(b)(4) Bagged materials shall be stacked by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at least every 10 bags high. - 1926.250(b)(5) Materials shall not be stored on scaffolds or runways in excess of supplies needed for immediate operations. - 1926.250(b)(6). Brick stacks shall not be more than 7 feet in height. When a loose brick stack reaches a height of 4 feet, it shall be tapered back 2 inches in every foot of height above the 4-foot level. - 1926.250(b)(7) When masonry blocks are stacked higher than 6 feet, the stack shall be tapered back one-half block per tier above the 6-foot level. 1926.250(b)(8) Submit Feedback

[8] Occupational Health and Safety Code (Alberta Regulation 191/2021)

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# Part 14 Lifting and Handling Loads (cont.) ## Patient/client/resident handling (cont.) Section 210 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE Part 14 AR 191/2021 209.2(4) Workers must follow the safe handling program required by subsection (1). ## Assessing manual handling hazards 210(1) Before a worker manually lifts, lowers, pushes, pulls, carries, handles or transports a load that could injure the worker, an employer must perform a hazard assessment that considers (a) the weight of the load, (b) the size of the load, (c) the shape of the load, (d) the number of times the load will be moved, and (e) the manner in which the load will be moved. - 210(2) Before a worker performs any manual patient/client/resident handling activities, an employer must perform a hazard assessment that considers the worker's physical and mental capabilities to perform the work. - 210(3) If the hazard assessment required by section 7 and subsections (1) and (2) determines that there is a potential for musculoskeletal injury, an employer must ensure that all reasonably practicable measures are used to eliminate or reduce that potential in accordance with section 9. ## Musculoskeletal injuries - 211 If a worker reports to the employer what the worker believes to be work-related symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, the employer must promptly (a) review the activities of that worker, and of other workers doing similar tasks, to identify work-related causes of the symptoms, if any, and (b) take corrective measures to avoid further injuries if the causes of the symptoms are work-related ## Training to prevent musculoskeletal injury 211.1(1) An employer must ensure that a worker who may be exposed to the possibility of musculoskeletal injury is trained in specific measures to eliminate or reduce that possibility. 211.1(2) An employer must ensure that the training referred to in subsection (1) includes (a) identification of factors that could lead to a musculoskeletal i…

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