Heavy Lifting in the Workplace
Prevent physical strain from heavy lifting
In many industries, heavy lifting is a significant cause of physical wear and tear, discomfort, and injuries to the musculoskeletal system. In an ideal world, workplaces would be free of heavy lifting altogether. Although substantial progress has been made in reducing manual handling, the complete elimination of lifting tasks is rarely realistic. It is therefore crucial for your organisation’s daily operations and long-term sustainability to have a clear plan in place for preventing physical strain.
One of the most effective ways to prevent lifting injuries is to make ergonomics a strategic priority – on par with production and efficiency. In practice, this means your organisation works proactively by involving your health and safety organisation whenever new equipment is provided, workspaces are reconfigured, or work processes are changed. Management also plays a vital role in ensuring that new employees receive the necessary instruction – not only in work procedures, but also in the ergonomic considerations behind these tasks.
Get support and guidance on preventing injuries from heavy lifting
- Coaching for managers covering strategy, prevention, and levels of ergonomics
- Ergonomically-focused prevention and competence development plans
- Risk assessment and guidance on prioritisation
- Consulting on selection of technical assistive devices and lifting equipment
- Instruction in the entire work process – including behaviour, habits, opportunities, motivation, physical environment, technique, and work organisation
How can you minimise injuries from heavy lifting?
The first step is to carry out an ergonomic risk assessment – taking into account the load (shape/form/material), how the lifting is performed, where and from what position, and which additional physically demanding tasks are involved (such as the number of lifts performed and whether there is sufficient recovery time between each lift). The risk assessment forms the basis for an action plan to eliminate or reduce wear and tear. The action plan should also include follow-up and evaluation measures to track the progress.
The more heavy lifting, kneeling work and whole-body vibration an employee is exposed to throughout their working life, the higher the risk of long-term sickness absence and early retirement.
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