Manual Handling

Human Anatomy And The High Risk Areas 

As can be seen from the statistics above upper/lower back pain has the highest trend, the most common factor in this case would be from manual handling, where the back is used to carry weight incorrectly.

Common causes of strain and stress on the back, and poor posture are factors to consider as well as the following;

• Ø  Incorrect lifting of inanimate objects
• Ø  Carrying materials too heavy for only one person to carry
• Ø  Being overweight and or unfit
• Ø  Doing continuous tasks which may overload the spine (repetitive strain injury)
• Ø  Bad bedding (too hard or too soft mattress) 
• Ø  Bad sitting posture (no back support)

Most of the strain when lifting incorrectly with the back is placed on the lower back.

The correct body angles when manually lifting weights 

Principles of lifting:

Ø  Stop and think

Ø  Position the feet

Ø  Adopt a good posture

Ø  Get a firm grip

Ø  Keep close to the load

Ø  Move the feet

Ø  Don’t jerk when walking

  Ø  Put down then adjust

The back pain is very painful and renders the individual immobile, back injuries may worsen when one gets to their old age due to all the heavy lifting incorrectly with the back.

• Remember to take care of your back, 
• Check the weight of what you are to carry before lifting 
• Use alternative method of lifting such as machinery 
• Ask for assistance to reduce the weight to be lifted 
• Bend your knees and lift with your knees