576-Personal Safety / 748
P
ersonal Safet
y
BOS-PRD-03.900906
4 D
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This Chapter explains the problems associated with manual handling and lifting and sets out the best
practise in dealing with them.
The procedure deals with all kinds of manual handling from lifting and pushing to pulling, lowering and
carrying. The load may either be inanimate (for example a box, bag or trolley), or animate (for example a
person or animal).
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Main injuries at work are caused by manual handling and consequently require three days or longer away
from work. The next most common cause is slipping, tripping or falling. It is therefore important to:
x
Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling so far as is reasonably practical. Ask yourself
whether the load really has to be moved, or whether the work can be carried out without moving it.
Can the vessel’s equipment (such as a crane, winch or capstan) be used to move the load instead of
a human? (Beware of any new hazards introduced by using the equipment);
x
Assess the risk of injury from any manual handling that can’t be avoided. You and your employees
know your line of work in most detail. You are therefore the best person to carry out the assessment.
Assessments
should
be recorded;
x
Reduce the risk of injury so far as is practical. ‘So far as is reasonably practical’ means that you
should
reduce the risk until the financial cost or impracticality of reducing the risk further outweighs
the benefits.
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x
Follow the systems of work that have been designed for their safety;
x
Use any equipment provided in the appropriate manner;
x
Co-operate with their supervisor/manager/employer on health and safety matters;
x
Inform the company if they identify hazardous handling activities;
x
Ensure their activities do not put others at risk.
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Training cannot overcome bad posture, unsuitable loads and lack of mechanical aids or bad working
conditions. Training can aid in the manual handling of loads where they are suitable and have been properly
assessed.
x
How to use vessel’s equipment, including how injuries can occur by using such equipment;
x
Good handling technique;
x
Work systems for the type of work and the particular environment;
x
Practical training with ‘practise’ loads (light loads), so the trainer can ‘pick up on’ aspects the
employee
should
work on.
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x
Plan the lift by taking a moment of time to think about how and where you will lift the object to. Use
handling aids such as handles and straps where possible. Do you need help with the object?
Remove any obstructions, both on the object and on the move route. Consider resting mid-lift,
perhaps on a table or bench in order for you to change grip or relax for a moment;
x
Place you feet shoulder width apart or where they are comfortable, making sure you are balanced
and stable. Place the leading leg slightly forward if this is more comfortable;
Version 04. Original date: 25/05/2012. Version date: 31/12/2014. Valid version only on QMS site. Uncontrolled when printed.
Procedure prepared by: BOS Deputy QHSE Manager. Approved by: BOS QHSES Manager. Validated by: BOS Quality Representative
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