Manual Materials Handling

Definition: "The moving of materials by hand by pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, lowering, shoveling or stacking." (WSIB)

Four Steps to Injury Reduction:

1. Recognition: Identify tasks that require Manual Material Handling (MMH).

2. Assessment: Determine type and severity of potential hazard. (Ex. Size, shape and weight of load, distance required to move, type of movement required, duration, frequency, training, education and physical capabilities/limitations of worker)

3. Control: Determine and implement feasible controls.

Administrative Controls

Rotating workers
Increasing frequency/duration of breaks
Enlarging job responsibilities to reduce repetitiveness of task
Limiting overtime work
Ensuring proper work techniques are followed
Condition workers for the physical exertion of task demands • Assigning a second worker to assist in performing select tasks • Develop preventative maintenance program for mechanical and power tools