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Manual Materials Handling -

Job Specific Recommendations

Caretaking

Many caretakers suffer from lower back pain and chronic shoulder pain caused by repetitive moping, sweeping and/or vacuuming.

• Test the load first. If it is too heavy, get help.
• Lift heavy equipment in slow, controlled motions, avoid jerky movements
• Avoid lifting and twisting at the same time
• Avoid lifting heavy items from the floor
• Bring objects as close to your body as possible
• Use carts, trolleys and dollies whenever possible
• Avoid carrying heavy items up or down stairs
• Avoid reliance on back belts
• Store heavy items between knuckle and chest height

Mopping/sweeping/vacuuming:

• Use a hose to fill bucket to avoid lifting
• Do not overfill bucket, half full is enough
• Use thicker diameter handles
• Use floor drains to empty buckets whenever possible
• If no floor drains, use a smaller pail to bail out some water before lifting
• Use lightweight mop wringers that allow the use of body weight to operate
• Keep your back straight, use handle extensions if required
• Use a figure eight pattern of movement as you “walk” the mop across the surface
• Alternate hands for large areas
• Use a foam sleeve to increase diameter of broom/mop handle
• Keep elbows close to the body
• Move the legs, not the back
• Empty vacuum bags frequently
• Use lightweight vacuums with swivel wheels
• Use proper attachments for the task

Dusting:

• Use dusters with long handles
• Use lightweight tools with bendable handles

Shoveling:

• Warm up for 10 minutes before shoveling
• Push the material instead of lifting whenever possible
• Space hands on shovel to increase leverage
• Keep shovel close to the body
• Shovel in layers off the top
• If lifting is necessary, squat with your legs apart and knees bent
• Scoop small amounts of material and walk to where you need to dump it
• Do not throw material over your shoulder
• Do not shovel deep material all at once
• Do not hold shovel with arms outstretched

Garbage removal:

• Reduce size and capacity of container and garbage bags
• Empty small trash cans frequently to avoid accumulating heavy loads
• To reduce the suction effect, drill small holes in the garbage can or use false bottoms
• Pull container on its side and remove bag to avoid lifting shoulders
• Use carts to transfer garbage bags to dumpsters
• Use a step ladder or platform to drop bag into dumpster, avoid tossing bags overhead

Food Services

Food service workers often suffer from chronic hip and knee pain due to prolonged standing and heavy lifting.

• Utilize rubber floor mats when standing for prolonged periods of time
• Wear shoes with good support
• Store heavy items on shelves between knuckle and chest height
• Alternate between standing and sitting tasks whenever possible
• Make more trips with lighter loads
• Keep wrists straight while gripping
• Grip with the whole hand, not just the fingertips
• Use handles whenever possible
• Alternate repetitive tasks between the left and right hands
• If a job requires you to lean forward, bring the work closer to the body
• If a job requires you to lean forward for prolonged periods, raise one foot on a ledge to reduce stress on the back
• Dishwasher loading: fill the closest rows first, rotate the rack to fill the other half
• Adjust work surface height to intensity of task

 

Trades

• Use a three-point lift when lifting heavy objects alone
• Use teamwork and mechanical aids whenever possible
• Wear protective equipment that fits properly
• Maintain a tidy work environment to avoid slips and falls
• Change bodily positions/postures frequently
• Avoid continuous overhead work, alternate tasks to allow your neck and back to rest
• Use lightweight tools whenever possible
• Balance tool belts
• Maintain equipment regularly to reduce unnecessary vibration
• Lift in a smooth controlled motion
• Avoid bending and twisting at the same time

 

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