Operations training
Crane and Hoist / V1 2023-07-03
ANNEX 9 - MANUAL HANDLING RISK ASSESSMENT This is an instructor guidance elaborating the concept of aggravating factors related to manual handling risk assessment. The baseline of assessing manual lifts is the load weight and the distance from the spine in the lower back (the reaching distance), respectively. While assessing manual handling, number of additional risk factors to the lift must be considered, which, individually and especially combined, will enhance the strain on the musculoskeletal system. These factors are the, so-called, aggravating factors. 1. Load weight and Reaching distance The following guidance introduces some simple tools to help identify ‘low-risk’ manual handling tasks and introduces a hierarchy of control that can be used to help identify simple solutions to reduce risk from manual handling further. Tasks outside of these guidelines should be assessed by an appropriately qualified professional using more detailed assessment tools or a full manual handling risk assessment for the task.
Lifting and lowering filters
Use the guideline filters for lifting and lowering (shown in Figure A9.1) to help you identify low-risk tasks. The guideline filters do not set specific weight limits, so the guidelines are not ‘safe limits’ for lifting and carrying. They use broad assumptions or generalisations where, if met, the risk of injury is considered to be low. Working outside the limits is likely to increase the risk of injury, which can lead to ill health. The guidelines are derived from lifting capacity data which show differences between men and women in the population (rather than individuals). Where the handling task falls within the filter guidelines, you do not normally need to do any other form of risk assessment unless you have individual workers who may be at significant risk. If you are unsure, complete a more detailed assessment.
Global Wind Organisation ©2023 / www.globalwindsafety.org
98 / 107
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator