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Write a toolbox talk on Manual handling

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Published by SALUS

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

Date: 2026-07-07

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

This toolbox talk aims to reinforce safe manual handling practices to prevent musculoskeletal injuries, reduce strain from lifting and carrying, improve risk awareness, and ensure workers use proper controls, ergonomic methods, PPE, and workplace procedures when handling materials manually.

Introduction

Manual handling is a common part of many jobs, but it is also one of the leading contributors to back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Improper lifting, awkward postures, repetitive motions, and carrying loads that are too heavy or bulky can quickly lead to strains, sprains, tendon injuries, and long-term disability. In construction and other physically demanding work, these injuries often develop gradually, starting as minor discomfort and progressing into serious lost-time injuries if the warning signs are ignored. Safe manual handling is not just about lifting correctly; it is about planning the task, assessing the load, using mechanical aids where possible, working as a team when needed, and following workplace health and safety requirements every time.

Presenter Note: Open by asking workers where manual handling occurs most often on the site and what tasks feel most physically demanding. Connect the discussion to recent jobs, deliveries, or near misses so the topic feels practical and relevant.

Key Points

1\. Plan the lift before you move the load: Every manual handling task should begin with a quick assessment of the load, the route, and the work area. Check whether the load can be moved mechanically, whether it is too heavy or awkward for one person, and whether the path is clear, well lit, and free of trip hazards. Planning reduces rushed decisions and helps prevent sudden strain, slips, and dropped loads. [1]

[10] [12]

Confirm the load weight, size, shape, and stability before lifting.
Identify obstacles, uneven ground, stairs, wet surfaces, or poor lighting.
Decide whether the task requires a second person or a mechanical aid.
2\. Use correct body positioning and lifting technique: Safe lifting depends on keeping the load close, maintaining a stable stance, bending the knees, and lifting smoothly with the legs rather than the back. Avoid twisting, jerking, or lifting loads that block your vision. When lowering the load, use the same controlled technique and keep the back straight. Good body mechanics reduce stress on the spine, shoulders, and knees. [1]

[10] [11]

Stand with feet about shoulder-width apart and one foot slightly forward.
Keep the load close to your body throughout the lift.
Turn with your feet instead of twisting at the waist.
3\. Recognize hazardous manual tasks and ergonomic risk factors: Hazardous manual tasks are jobs that involve forceful exertion, repetitive movement, awkward postures, sustained positions, or combinations of these factors. Repeated lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, and bending can cause fatigue and increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders. The risk rises when workers are tired, the load is bulky, or the task is repeated throughout the shift. [2]

[6] [9]

Watch for repetitive lifting, overhead work, and prolonged bending.
Treat pain, tingling, swelling, and reduced grip strength as warning signs.
Consider the combined effect of force, repetition, posture, and recovery time.
4\. Use team lifting and mechanical aids whenever possible: Mechanical handling equipment such as dollies, carts, hand trucks, pallet jacks, and lift devices should be used whenever they can reduce manual effort. If a load is too heavy, bulky, long, or unstable, team lifting may be necessary. Team lifts must be coordinated by one person using clear commands so the load moves in a controlled way. [3]

[5] [15]

Use mechanical aids for horizontal movement of heavy or awkward loads.
Assign one leader for team lifts and agree on commands before starting.
Select team members of similar height and strength when possible.
5\. Reduce strain through ergonomic work practices and training: Ergonomic practices help fit the task to the worker and reduce the physical demands of manual handling. This includes staging materials close to the point of use, breaking down heavy loads, adjusting work height, using neutral wrist positions, and rotating tasks where practical. Training is essential so workers understand how to assess loads, use equipment correctly, and recognize early signs of injury before they become serious. [2]

[8] [13]

Stage materials near the work area to reduce carrying distance.
Break heavy loads into smaller units whenever possible.
Train workers to recognize and report discomfort early.

Hazard Identification

Manual handling tasks can expose workers to several predictable hazards. Identifying these hazards early helps prevent injuries and supports safer planning before the task begins.

Lifting loads that are too heavy, bulky, or awkward for one person: Back strain, muscle tears, hernias, dropped loads, and loss of control during the lift. [2]

[4]

(Risk: High)

Twisting, bending, or reaching while lifting or carrying: Sprains, strains, disc injuries, shoulder injury, and sudden loss of balance. [1]

[9]

(Risk: High)

Poor housekeeping, cluttered walkways, or inadequate lighting: Trips, slips, falls, dropped materials, and secondary injuries from sudden movement or impact. [1]

[9]

(Risk: Medium)

Repetitive manual handling without adequate rest or task variation: Cumulative fatigue, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back pain, and reduced work performance. [2]

[6]

(Risk: Medium)

Poor grip or unstable load control during handling: Hand injuries, punctures, crushed fingers, dropped objects, and sudden overexertion while trying to recover the load. [1]

[10]

(Risk: Medium)

Presenter Note: Ask the group to name the most common manual handling hazards they see on site. Encourage them to describe what usually happens when a load is too heavy, the route is blocked, or the task is rushed.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls to reduce manual handling risk. First, eliminate the need for manual lifting where possible by redesigning the task or using mechanical handling equipment. If elimination is not possible, substitute safer methods, such as smaller loads or pre-assembled components. Apply engineering controls like carts, dollies, lift tables, and staging areas to reduce force and awkward posture. Use administrative controls such as training, job rotation, lift planning, and team lifting procedures. PPE is the last line of defense and should support, not replace, safer work methods.

Use mechanical handling equipment whenever possible: Select dollies, carts, hand trucks, pallet jacks, or other lifting devices for heavy, bulky, or repetitive loads. Keep equipment available and in good condition so workers do not default to manual lifting. [5]

[8]

Stage materials close to the point of use: Place materials as near as practical to the work area before starting the task. This reduces carrying distance, unnecessary handling, and fatigue from repeated trips. [7]

[14]

Break down heavy or awkward loads: Split loads into smaller portions when feasible so each lift is within the worker's capability. Repackage materials or use smaller containers to reduce force and improve control. [2]

[10]

Use team lifting for loads that cannot be handled safely alone: Assign a leader, agree on commands, and practice the lift before moving the load. Team members should move together and maintain communication throughout the task. [15]

[1]

Maintain good housekeeping and clear travel paths: Keep walkways, stairs, and work areas free of clutter, cords, debris, and spills. Ensure lighting is adequate before moving a load and stop work if the route is unsafe. [8]

[1]

Train workers in safe lifting and early symptom reporting: Provide practical instruction on load assessment, body mechanics, team lifting, equipment use, and reporting discomfort early. Reinforce that pain, tingling, swelling, or reduced movement should be reported before the condition worsens. [6]

[9]

Safe Work Procedures

Assess the load before lifting. Confirm weight, size, shape, stability, and whether assistance or mechanical equipment is needed. [10]
Plan the route and clear the path. Make sure the walkway is free of obstacles, the surface is stable, and the destination is ready before you start. [5]
Lift with controlled body mechanics. Keep the load close, bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lift smoothly without jerking or twisting. [10]

[1]

Use a coordinated team lift when required. One person must lead the lift and give clear commands so everyone moves together. [1]

[15]

Set the load down safely. Lower the load with the same control used to lift it, keeping the back straight and avoiding twisting or sudden release. [10]
Stop and report early signs of injury. Pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or reduced strength should be reported immediately so the task can be reassessed. [9]

Presenter Note: Walk the group through a typical lift from start to finish: assess, plan, lift, move, and set down. Ask workers to point out where the task could be redesigned or made easier with equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Work Gloves: Wear gloves that fit properly and provide a secure grip when handling materials with sharp edges, rough surfaces, or puncture hazards. Gloves should improve control without reducing dexterity to the point that the worker loses grip or feel for the load. [1]

[10]

Inspect gloves before use for tears, worn palms, or contamination.
Choose the glove type that matches the material being handled.
Replace damaged gloves promptly.
Safety Footwear: Wear safety boots or shoes with slip-resistant soles and toe protection to reduce the risk of foot injuries from dropped loads and to improve stability during lifting and carrying. Footwear must fit properly and be kept in good condition. [1]

[9]

Check soles for wear that could reduce traction.
Use footwear appropriate for the surface and task.
Replace damaged or poorly fitting footwear.
Task-Appropriate Protective Clothing: Wear clothing that does not restrict movement or create snag hazards. Clothing should allow workers to bend, squat, and turn safely while maintaining control of the load and avoiding entanglement with equipment or materials. [8]
Avoid loose clothing that can catch on materials or equipment.
Select clothing suitable for the work environment and weather.
Ensure visibility requirements are met where applicable.
Knee Protection When Required: Use knee pads when the task requires frequent kneeling or work at low levels. Knee protection helps reduce pressure and discomfort during prolonged floor-level handling or installation work. [2]
Use knee pads that fit securely and do not slip.
Replace worn pads that no longer provide cushioning.
Combine knee protection with work-height adjustments where possible.

PPE supports safe manual handling, but it does not make an unsafe lift safe. Workers must still plan the task, use proper technique, and rely on mechanical aids or team lifting when needed. PPE should be inspected, fitted correctly, and maintained so it performs as intended.

Real-World Example or Case Study

A construction worker repeatedly carried heavy materials by hand because it seemed faster than finding a cart. After a day of awkward lifting and carrying, the worker developed severe back pain and was later diagnosed with a lower back disc injury. The lesson is clear: saving a few minutes by skipping mechanical aids can lead to serious injury, lost work time, and long-term restrictions. The safer choice is to plan the task, use equipment, and ask for help before the load becomes a problem. [5]

Presenter Note: Use this example to show that manual handling injuries often happen when workers try to save time. Ask the group what equipment or planning step could have prevented the injury.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

What manual handling task on this site creates the greatest risk of strain or back injury, and why?
When should a load be split, shared by two workers, or moved with a cart or dolly instead of being carried by hand?
What early warning signs of a musculoskeletal injury should workers report before the problem becomes serious?

Presenter Note: Encourage workers to answer from personal experience. Keep the discussion practical by focusing on actual tasks, routes, loads, and equipment used on the site.

Emergency Procedures

Stop the task immediately if a worker feels sudden pain, loss of strength, numbness, or a load becomes unstable. Do not continue the lift or try to 'push through' the injury. [9]
Secure the area and make the scene safe. Set the load down if possible, keep others clear of the area, and prevent additional strain or dropped-object hazards. [1]
Report the injury or near miss to supervision and seek medical evaluation when needed. Reassess the task before resuming work and implement additional controls to prevent recurrence. [6]

Questions and Answers

If you have questions about a task, a load, or the safest way to move materials, ask now. It is better to stop and clarify than to guess and get hurt.

Q: What is the most important rule for safe manual handling?

A: Plan the task before lifting. Check the load, the route, the need for help, and whether a mechanical aid can be used. Good planning prevents rushed lifts and reduces the chance of injury. [10]

Q: Why is twisting while carrying a load so dangerous?

A: Twisting increases stress on the spine and can cause sudden injury, especially when the load is heavy or awkward. Workers should turn with their feet and hips instead of rotating at the waist. [11] [1]

Q: When should workers ask for help?

A: Workers should ask for help whenever a load is heavy, bulky, unstable, awkward, or blocks vision, or whenever they are unsure they can handle it safely alone. [10] [8]

Summary

Recap of main points:

Manual handling injuries are common, but many can be prevented by planning the task, using proper technique, and avoiding unnecessary force. [2]
Keep loads close, bend the knees, avoid twisting, and lift smoothly with control. [1]
Use mechanical aids, team lifting, and good housekeeping to reduce strain and prevent trips, slips, and dropped loads. [5]

[8]

Report pain, numbness, swelling, or reduced movement early so the task can be corrected before a minor issue becomes a serious injury. [9]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

Inspect the next manual handling task before starting and decide whether the load should be moved, split, or mechanically assisted. [10]
Use proper lifting technique every time: feet stable, load close, knees bent, back straight, no twisting. [10]
Keep work areas clear and staged so materials can be moved safely without unnecessary carrying or obstruction. [7]
Speak up immediately if a load feels unsafe or if you notice early signs of strain in yourself or a coworker. [6]

Remember: Plan the lift, protect your back, and use help or equipment before the load uses you.

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

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15 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Manual Material Handling - Tailgate

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Manual Material Handling Five activities of manual material handling Lift / lower Push/pull Twist Carry Hold Never lift and twist at the waist! Turn with your feet, not your waist. Imagine placing a tomato between the palms of your hands and applying pressure with both hands. It is well within your abilities to apply enough force to cause the tomato to burst. Now imagine using another tomato and apply force while at the same time twisting your hands is opposite directions. The tomato would burst under much less force. The results would be similar but the latter example would happen more quickly and with less warning. ## Two correct lifting methods The Power Lift The Diagonal Lift Partial squat, head up, back Squat, head up, back arched, feet arched, feet spread one foot spread one foot ahead as you lift. ahead as you lift. Adapted from: The Saunders Group Inc., [redacted street address], Chaska, MN [redacted postal code] Oregon OSHA – PESO TOOLBOX SHEET For more information, call Oregon OSHA 1 (800) 922-2689 or visit osha.oregon.gov HOJA INFORMATIVA de Oregon OSHA - PESO Para mayores informes, llame a Oregon OSHA 1 (800) 843-8086 ó visite osha.oregon.gov

[2] Toolbox Talk: Ergonomic Series – Sprains & Strains

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES - SPRAINS & STRAINS Date Posted: 02/16/2024 According to the Center for Construction Research (CPWR), one in five construction workers experiences musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), including sprains, strains, and soft tissue injuries, which gradually worsen and are often chronic. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for 2005, construction's lost days nonfatal occupational injury and illness incidence rate for sprains and strains (83.1 cases per 10,000 full-time workers) was higher than any other industry sector. Strains and sprains can affect a worker's back, neck, shoulder, knee, wrist, and ankle. Sprains and strains account for about a third of injuries in construction. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones. Sprain injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue. Ankle, knee, and wrist injuries account for most sprains. A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon, the tissue connecting muscles to bones. Back injuries are the most prevalent regarding strains. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear. These soft tissue injuries occur frequently and are painful, disabling, and often accompanied by lengthy recovery periods. ## WHAT ARE SPRAINS AND STRAINS? Although different, both injuries can be caused by the same activities. The body's back, trunk, or torso are the most affected by strains and sprains. Almost 40% of workplace injuries in 2021 involved these parts of the body. For that same year, 27% related to injuries to legs or other lower extremities such as knees or ankle joints. Sprain: In a sprain, a joint is forced to go beyond its normal range of motion. The ligament fibers overstretch and tear. This often happens with sudden twisting in active sports. The joint can still function, but ligament tears leak blood into the tis…

[3] Toolbox Talk: Ergonomic Series – General Ergonomics

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES-GENERAL ERGONOMICS Date Posted: 02/14/2024 Ergonomics fits the task to the person. It strives to create the best atmosphere for any occupation to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS). These disorders affect muscles, blood vessels, nerves, ligaments, and tendons in the body and can be caused by repetitive tasks like lifting, bending, and reaching. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that ergonomic injuries account for 33% of all workplace worker injury and illness cases, with direct costs to the industry of over $20 billion annually and estimated total costs of $45-54 billion annually. Compared to the lost workdays of the average injury or illness (8 days), ergonomic injuries result in 38% more lost time days (11 days). Awkward postures are a significant ergonomic risk that leads to these types of injuries. ## WHAT IS AN ERGONOMIC HAZARD? Ergonomic risk factors are characteristics of a job that contribute to creating ergonomic stress on the body. Risk factors are present at varying levels for different jobs and tasks. Generally, the greater the exposure to a single risk factor or combination of risk factors, the greater the probability of an ergonomic injury or illness, also called Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD). The construction trades have many risk factors that may cause MSDs that are only sometimes easy to identify or brought to our attention. Some examples are masons with back problems due the repeated lifting of cement blocks and carpenters with wrist problems due to the repeated use of a hammer. Ergonomic Solution Brainstormer (adobeconnect.com) ## COMMON ERGONOMIC HAZARDS IN CONSTRUCTION ## HEAVY LIFTING: It's no secret that construction work includes much heavy lifting. Lifting 50 lbs. or more can be extremely tough on the body and can lead to significant injury when lifting a load improperly. On construction sites, workers are constantly lifting heavy equipment, lumber, and metal and are regularly opening a…

[4] Toolbox Talk: Ergonomic Safety

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# ERGONOMIC SAFETY Date Posted: 01/27/2024 According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), About 1.8 million workers report musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS), commonly known as strains and sprains, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back injuries yearly. About 600,000 of those workers need to take time off work because of those injuries. Unlike injuries from falls, electrocution, or other serious hazards, MSDs don't appear very serious when they appear. They start with minor discomfort in the early stages. These symptoms disappear after a short break or at night when you don't work. But returning to the same activity the next day brings back the symptoms. Your body can recover between these episodes of intense activity in the earlier stages when the symptoms are mild or moderate, but eventually, your body won't recover. Recognizing problems with the work tasks that cause these symptoms is the first step to eliminating them. ## WHAT IS ERGONOMICS? Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. Effective and successful "fits" assure high productivity, avoidance of illness and injury risks, and increased satisfaction among the workforce. Ergonomics involves designing and arranging spaces so people work efficiently and safely. It evaluates how you do your work and identifies risk factors that might lead to injury. We use this information to find the best solution to eliminate or manage the hazard. Your capabilities and limitations are considered to ensure that tasks, equipment, and environment suit you. ## ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS Common examples of ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. Vibration and cold may add risk to these work conditions. Jobs or working conditions presenting …

[5] Toolbox Talk: Materials Handling: Drywall

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## How can we stay safe today? (cont.) 0 Construction Materials Handling: Drywall Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Play the CPWR Manual Material Handling Games: Lift only one sheet at a time. Never try to lift materials weighing more than 50 pounds by yourself. Use two workers to lift larger, thicker, and heavier sheets. Use a vertical lift to help hold the drywall so you can screw sheets to the ceiling more safely. - Use lifting tools and devices to move sheets. GET INFORMATION CDC/NIOSH INFO: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-[redacted phone]) | TTY: 1-[redacted phone] | cdc.gov/info | cdc.gov/niosh CPWR: Contact [redacted phone] | [redacted email] | www.cpwr.com/toolbox-talks DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2022-140 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.[redacted postal code]/NIOSHPUB2022140 | August 2022

[6] Toolbox Talk: Ergonomic Series - Protect Your Back

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES-PROTECT YOUR BACK Date Posted: 02/15/2024 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than one million workers suffer back injuries yearly, accounting for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. When drilling down on the construction industry specifically, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) states that the construction industry has the highest incident rate of back injuries of any industry except transportation. Of all construction-related injuries each year, 25% are back injuries. Every year, a back injury causes 1 in 100 construction workers to miss work, usually missing about seven workdays but sometimes more than 30. Most back problems are low-back injuries, including sprains and strains from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials. ## PREVENTING BACK INJURIES • Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). When lifting, the grip is essential. Wearing gloves that fit correctly with a good grip will help maintain a firm hold on objects during lifting activities. Shoes or boots with gripping soles will also help maintain balance and stability while lifting. or • Preparation is vital. Before lifting, determine whether the object even needs to be lifted. Mechanical assist lifting devices such as dollies, carts, pallet jacks, other lifting equipment are recommended when possible instead of manually lifting heavy objects. The idea is to get the load as close to the destination as possible with the least physical effort possible. • Reduce the weight if you can; if you can split a load into two or more portions, do that. • Try to adjust the load height. Lifting from the floor will cause your body more stress than lifting from waist height. An injury is more likely if you lift an object above your shoulders. • Plan out the shortest, most obstacle-free route you can take. • Stretch before lifting ## TECHNIQUES FOR SAFE LIFTING ## ASSESS THE SITUATION: Before lifting, …

[7] safety-manual-businesses-en

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# Manual Material Handling Safe Work Practices ## Potential Health and Safety Hazards - Ergonomic hazards; force (lifting and pushing/pulling) and posture (bending, reaching and twisting). • Energy hazards; electricity or pneumatic pressure. • Materials handling hazards; lifting, pushing/pulling and hazardous substances. • Physical hazards; lighting. • Work practice hazards; following established safe work practices and procedures, and general housekeeping practices. ## Safe Work Practices (Do's) • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as work gloves when handling objects with sharp edges and safety footwear when handling heavy objects. • Ensure - there is adequate clearance for safe lifting/material handling. • Ensure storage areas are kept tidy, well organized and free of clutter. • Use a hand truck, cart, dolly, wheelbarrow, etc. to move heavy, awkward or bulky objects. Ask for assistance. • Know how to safely handle controlled WHMIS products. • Reduce repetition as much as possible by pacing your work and by varying tasks. • Use a stepladder or step stool to reach high places. - Wherever possible use an elevator to move supplies and equipment between floors. Ask for assistance and/or use a two-wheeled hand truck dolly to move heavy, awkward or bulky items up or down stairs if an elevator is not available. • Use proper lifting techniques when lifting materials. ## Safe Work Practices (Don'ts) • - Do not lift or carry items by the packing straps or cords. • Do not use a box, desk or chair to reach high objects. • Do not lift a load if you are not sure that you can handle it safely. Nova Scotia Safety Manual for Businesses | Safe Work Practices 29 29 29

[8] Toolbox Talk: Ergonomic Series - Protect Your Back

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES-PROTECT YOUR BACK (cont.) ## USING HAND TRUCKS (DOLLIES) AND CARTS • Push rather than pull. You can use your body weight to assist when pushing. • Keep the device close and lock your arms. Stay close to the load, and avoid leaning over and assuming awkward body positioning. • Use both hands. Carts are easier to push and control using both hands. • Use tie-downs, if necessary, to secure the load. ## RESOURCES Ergonomics Training & Tips (wa.gov) Lift height and risk of injury (wa.gov) Ergonomics Process (wa.gov) Get Help with Ergonomics (wa.gov) - Ergonomics - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov) NIOSH Lifting Equation App: NLE Calc | NIOSH | CDC Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting (81-122) | NIOSH | CDC Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders | NIOSH | CDC Ergonomic Solution Brainstormer (adobeconnect.com)

[9] 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

[10] Toolbox Talk: Lifting and Carrying Materials

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING # Lifting and TALK Carrying Materials Back injuries are caused by lifting and carrying heavy materials, working in awkward positions, and bending often to lift materials off the ground. Construction has one of the highest rates of back injuries of any industry. ## Jeff's Story Jeff worked on a masonry crew at a construction site. Over the course of a day, Jeff and his crew moved 200 30-pound bags of concrete from the delivery location to the work area by hand because they thought it would take less time than finding a cart or forklift to do the job. His back began to bother him, but he wrote it off to just being part of the job. The next day the pain became so bad that he had to leave work and see his doctor. They told Jeff that he had damaged a disc in his lower back and could no longer do that kind of work. * Have you or someone you know ever had a back injury from lifting and carrying? If so, what happened? - How could the injury have been prevented? ## Remember This ➤ Whenever possible, use mechanical equipment like a dolly to move heavy objects horizontally. ➤ Never try to lift an item weighing over 50 pounds by yourself. ➤ Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of travel before lifting. ➤While lifting, tuck in your chin to keep your neck straight, and keep your back as straight as possible. - Lift with the leg muscles, which can help protect your back. ➤ Ask for help with heavy or awkward objects. ➤ Avoid twisting your body while carrying an object. ➤ Coordinate and practice team lifting before using it for moving objects. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent being injured from lifting and carrying? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this documen…

[11] Back Injury Prevention

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Ergonomics # Back Injury Prevention ## On this page What is the most likely kind of injury. resulting from manual materials handling? How can we prevent back injury. resulting from manual materials handling? How do you eliminate the need for heavy manual materials handling? How can we decrease the demands? How can we reduce stressful body. movements when handling materials? Why is the pace of work important? How can we improve the environment to reduce the risk for injury due to material handling? How effective is pre-placement screening in back injury prevention? How can education and training be used to help prevent back injuries? ## What is the most likely kind of injury resulting from manual materials handling? It is probably fair to say that every worker who lifts or does other manual handling tasks is at some risk for musculoskeletal injury. Low back injury is the most likely kind of injury. The complete elimination of this hazard is not realistic. However, organizations can reduce the number and the severity of manual handling-related injuries by using safe work practices. ## How can we prevent back injury resulting from manual materials handling? To prevent occupational back injuries, it is essential to identify the factors that make the worker more susceptible to injury or that directly contribute to injury. A successful approach combines knowledge of ergonomics, engineering, the work environment, and human capabilities and limitations. The following aspects should be considered: organization of workflow Back Injury Prevention CCOHS

[12] Toolbox Talk: Manual Handling

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# MANUAL HANDLING 27 Date Posted: 09/06/2016 Improper lifting from manual handling is the leading cause of back injury. If mechanical handling methods are not possible, utilize the following guidelines: ## LIFTING • Know your capabilities, only begin lifts that you can handle. • Can you handle the load yourself or do you need assistance? • Is there a clear walkway with good lighting to the work area? • Wear gloves to protect against cuts and punctures. • Wear safety boots or shoes to protect from falling loads. • Carry out a trial lift by rocking the load from side to side and try to lift a small amount to get the "feel" for it ## GOOD HANDLING TECHNIQUE • Get as close to the load as possible, and keep it close to you while lifting, carrying, and lowering it. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, one foot slightly forward pointing in the direction you are going. • If the - object is small enough to fit between your feet, bend your knees and keep your back straight. • Get a secure grip on the load. - Breathe in before lifting as this helps to support the spine. • Do not lift a load that will obscure your vision. • Lift slowly and smoothly. • Keep your face forward. • Avoid twisting your body when lifting or carrying a load. • When lifting to a height from the floor, lift in two stages • When two or more people lift a load, one person must take control to coordinate the lift. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Name two hazards when lifting and carrying? • Why is it important to not rotate with a heavy object? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.

[13] Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling

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# Improving Manual Material Handling in Your Workplace b. Observe work activities. Talk to workers, supervisors, and managers about where problems exist. Look for warning signs, such as: • Risk factors in work tasks (e.g., awkward postures, repetitive motions, forceful exertions, pressure points, staying in the same position for a long time) - Worker fatigue, discomfort, or reports of related problems • Workers exhibiting “pain behaviors” (e.g., not moving body parts, self-restricting their movements, or massaging hands, arms, legs, necks, or backs) - Workers modifying tools, equipment, or workstations on their own • Increase in absenteeism, worker turnover rates, or customer complaints . Decrease in product or service quality or employee morale • Increase in error rates, rejects, or wasted materials . Production bottlenecks • Malfunctioning equipment • Missed deadlines • Unnecessary handling and duplication of material and product movement - Make sure to talk to your workers about their ideas for altering work processes, operations, tools, or equipment. Ask them how they would make their jobs less physically demanding and more efficient. c. Use assessment tools - To determine where problems may arise in work tasks, you may want to use some of the following simple "tools" (see Appendix B): • NIOSH Manual Material Handling Checklist . NIOSH Hazard Evaluation Checklist for Lifting, Pushing, or Pulling • The Awareness Worksheet: Looking for Clues • Ergonomics Checklist - Material Handling - If the problems are complex, more sophisticated methods may be needed for addressing your workplace MSDs. More detailed assessment tools for specific problems include the following (see Appendix C): • NIOSH Lifting Equation • American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVS) for Manual Lifting - University of Michigan 3D Static Strength Prediction . Program • Ohio State University Lumbar Motion Monitor . Sno…

[14] Toolbox Talk: Materials Handling: Drywall

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Construction Materials Handling: Drywall Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Workers who handle drywall sheets are at high risk of overexertion. The weight and bulkiness of drywall can intensify any bending, twisting, turning, or lifting motions and cause serious injury. ## Sam's Story Sam had worked as a drywall installer for 10 years. On his last job, he began to feel pain in his elbow after lifting and carrying a 10-foot section of drywall up 20 steps. Sam went to his doctor and was diagnosed with tendonitis. - What caused this incident? *How could this have been prevented? *Have you ever been injured from lifting or handling drywall, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Always stage materials as close as possible to where they will be used. ## How can we stay safe today? • Always use safe lifting practices such as lifting with leg muscles and avoiding twisting while carrying materials. Try out safe lifting practices through a free app "Best Built Plans" available at Amazon, App Store, or Google Play. - Lift only one sheet at a time. Never try to lift materials weighing more than 50 pounds by yourself. C D C National Intend Health NIOSH CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION • Use two workers to lift larger, thicker, and heavier sheets. Never try to lift materials weighing more than 50 pounds by yourself. • Use lifting tools and devices to move sheets instead of carrying them by hand. • Use a vertical lift to position and hold the drywall so you can screw sheets to the ceiling more safely. • Follow these steps for vertical hanging: 1. Raise the sheet. 2. Shift grip to opposite sides of the sheet. 3. Rotate the sheet into a vertical position. 4. Secure it to the wall. - Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of travel before lifting. • Keep materials and tools orderly and stored safely to prevent tripping and other safety hazards. What will we do at the worksite to …

[15] Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling

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# Improving Manual Material Handling in Your Workplace # What Manual Material Handling Is According to the U.S. Department of Labor, handling is defined as: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with the hand or hands. Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an extension of the hand, such as to turn a switch or to shift automobile gears. In this publication, handling means that the worker's hands move individual containers manually by lifting, lowering, filling, emptying, or carrying them. ## Why Improve Your Workplace Manual handling of containers may expose workers to physical conditions (e.g., force, awkward postures, and repetitive motions) that can lead to injuries, wasted energy, and wasted time. To avoid these problems, your organization can directly benefit from improving the fit between the demands of work tasks and the capabilities of your workers. Remember that workers' abilities to perform work tasks may vary because of differences in age, physical condition, strength, gender, stature, and other factors. In short, changing your workplace by improving the fit can benefit your workplace by: • Reducing or preventing injuries - Reducing workers' efforts by decreasing forces in lifting, handling, pushing, and pulling materials - Reducing risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., awkward postures from reaching into containers) - Increasing productivity, product and service quality, and worker morale • Lowering costs by reducing or eliminating production bottlenecks, error rates or rejects, use of medical services because of musculoskeletal disorders, workers' compensation claims, excessive worker turnover, absenteeism, and retraining 8

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Publisher: SALUS
Final reviewer: Francis Langlois
Original answer: Jul 7, 2026

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