NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCES AND

TECHNOLOGY
School of Mechanical and Manufacturing (SMME)

Adil Mehmood Reg. # 451157

Muhammad Ammar Reg. # 360516

Industrial Design and Human Factors

ASSIGNMENT 4
GROUP ASSIGNMENT REPORT
MANUAL HANDLING POSTURES
Introduction and Definition

Manual handling is a common activity in many workplaces, but it can also pose significant risks
to workers’ health and safety. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual
handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs), such as back pain, sprains, strains, and hernias. Manual handling also accounts for a
large proportion of work-related ill health, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.

What is Manual Handling.

Manual handling is a term used to describe the various physical activities that involve lifting,
holding, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving an object or a load by one or more
workers. This can include animate objects such as people or animals, or inanimate objects like
boxes, tools, or equipment

Classification of Manual Handling.

Manual handling can be classified into four categories:

1. Lifting and lowering:

This involves raising or lowering an object

from one level to another, such as from the
floor to a shelf, or from a conveyor belt to a
pallet.

2. Carrying:

This involves holding or supporting an object

while moving from one place to another, such as
from a warehouse to a truck, or from a storeroom to

an office.

3. Pushing and pulling:

 This involves applying force to move an object away from or towards the body, such as
pushing a trolley, or pulling a rope.

4. Manipulating:

This involves changing the position or orientation of an

object without moving it from one place to another, such as
turning a valve, or twisting a screwdriver.

Manual handling can be performed manually by using the hands or arms only, or by using aids or
equipment such as handles, straps, levers, wheels, or cranes. Manual handling can also be
performed individually by one worker, or collectively by two or more workers.

Why is Manual Handling Important?

Manual handling is important because it is essential to many jobs and tasks in different
industries and sectors. Manual handling can help workers perform their work efficiently and
effectively, and achieve their goals and objectives. For example, manual handling can help
workers:

 Transport materials or products from one place to another

 Load or unload vehicles or containers

 Assemble or disassemble parts or components

 Install or repair equipment or machinery

 Handle patients or animals

 Perform cleaning or maintenance tasks

However, manual handling can also pose significant hazards and risks to workers’ health
and safety if it is not performed correctly. Improper manual handling can cause injuries to the
muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, or organs of the body. These
injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious fractures and dislocations. Improper
manual handling can also cause long-term health problems such as chronic pain, inflammation,
degeneration, disability, or disease. These health problems can affect not only the physical well-
being of workers but also their mental and emotional well-being.
 Therefore, it is important to prevent and reduce the hazards and risks of manual handling
by following the legal requirements and best practices for manual handling. By doing so, you will
be able to protect your workers and yourself from harm, and promote a healthy and safe working
environment.

What are the Hazards and Risks of Manual Handling?

The hazards and risks of manual handling depend on various factors that affect the difficulty and
complexity of the task. These factors include:

1. The task: The type, frequency, duration, speed, and sequence of manual handling
activities can affect the level of physical effort, stress, and strain required by workers. For
example, lifting heavy objects repeatedly for a long time can be more hazardous than
lifting light objects occasionally for a short time.
2. The individual: The physical characteristics, capabilities, and limitations of workers
can affect their ability and suitability to perform manual handling tasks. For example, age,
gender, height, weight, strength, flexibility, fitness, health condition, and prior injuries can
influence how workers handle loads.
3. The load: The weight, size, shape, and surface of the object or material being handled
can affect how easy or difficult it is to grip, lift, carry, push, pull, or manipulate it. For
example, a large, heavy, bulky, or slippery load can be more hazardous than a small, light,
compact, or stable load.
4. The environment: The physical conditions and layout of the workplace can affect the
accessibility and safety of manual handling tasks. For example, poor lighting, ventilation,
temperature, humidity, noise, vibration, or space can create hazards for manual handling.
Additionally, uneven, slippery, or cluttered floors, or obstacles such as stairs, doors, or
furniture can increase the risk of accidents or injuries.
Best practices for manual handling: Safe Manual Handling
Manual handling is a common activity in many workplaces, but it can also pose significant risks
to workers’ health and safety. To prevent and reduce the hazards and risks of manual handling,
you should follow the legal requirements and best practices for manual handling. Here are some
of the best practices for manual handling that can help you perform your work safely and
efficiently:
 Conduct a manual handling risk assessment: Before you start any manual handling
task, you should identify and evaluate the potential hazards and risks involved. You can use the
TILE method to assess the task, individual, load, and environment factors that affect the difficulty
and complexity of the task. You should also consult with your workers and supervisors to get
their input and feedback on the manual handling risks and solutions.

The TILE method is a technique for conducting a manual handling risk assessment. It stands
for Task, Individual, Load, and Environment. It helps you to identify and evaluate the potential
hazards and risks involved in lifting, holding, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving
an object or a load by one or more workers. By using the TILE method, you can improve the
health and safety of yourself and others who perform manual handling tasks.

Here is a brief explanation of what each letter of the TILE method means:

1. T – Task: This means considering the manual handling activity itself, such as the type,
frequency, duration, speed, and sequence of movements. You should also look at how the
task may affect your health and safety, such as whether it involves repetitive or strenuous
movements, long distances, or uneven weight distribution.

2. I – Individual: This means considering the person who will be carrying out the manual
handling activity, such as yourself or another colleague. You should also look at how your
physical characteristics, capabilities, and limitations may affect your ability and suitability to
perform the task. For example, you should consider your age, gender, height, weight,
strength, flexibility, fitness, health condition, and prior injuries.

3. L – Load: This means considering the object or material that is being moved, and looking
at how it may affect your health and safety. For example, you should consider the weight,
size, shape, and surface of the load. You should also look at whether the load is particularly
heavy, bulky, hard to grasp or unstable.

4. E – Environment: This means considering the area in which the load is being moved,
and looking at how it could make the manual handling task unsafe. For example, you should
consider the physical conditions and layout of the workplace. You should also look at
whether there are any hazards such as poor lighting, ventilation, temperature, humidity,
noise, vibration, or space. Additionally, you should look at whether there are any obstacles
such as uneven, slippery, or cluttered floors, or barriers such as stairs, doors, or furniture.
 By following the TILE method, you can plan and prepare your manual handling task carefully,
and take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize the hazards and risks. You can also use
mechanical tools and aids, wear suitable clothing and footwear, know your limits, and use proper
techniques to handle loads safely and efficiently.

 Provide your employees with the right manual handling training:

You should ensure that your workers have the necessary knowledge and skills to
perform manual handling tasks safely and correctly. You should provide them with
appropriate training on the principles, techniques, and procedures of manual handling, as
well as the use of any aids or equipment that can assist them. You should also monitor and
evaluate their performance and provide them with regular feedback and refresher training.

 Use mechanical tools and aids:

Whenever possible, you should use mechanical tools and aids to reduce or
eliminate the need for manual handling. For example, you can use trolleys, carts, hoists,
cranes, conveyors, or forklifts to transport or lift heavy or bulky loads. You should also
ensure that these tools and aids are suitable, available, and accessible, maintained, and
operated correctly.

 Plan before you start:

You should plan your manual handling task carefully and prepare everything you
need before you start. For example, you should check the load for any hazards such as
sharp edges, loose parts, or spillages. You should also clear the path for any obstacles or
hazards such as stairs, doors, or furniture. You should also decide where and how you will
place the load at the destination.

 Wear the right clothing:

You should wear clothing that is comfortable, flexible, and suitable for the task
and the environment. You should avoid wearing clothing that is too loose, too tight, or has
dangling parts that can get caught or snagged on the load or the surroundings. You should
also wear appropriate footwear that is comfortable, supportive, and slip-resistant.

 Know your limits:

You should know your own physical capabilities and limitations and do not
attempt to handle loads that are beyond your capacity. You should also avoid lifting loads
 that are too heavy, too large, too high, or too low for you. You should also ask for help
from your colleagues or supervisors if you need assistance with manual handling tasks.

 Push rather than pull:

When you have to move a load horizontally by pushing or pulling it, you should
prefer pushing rather than pulling it. Pushing allows you to use your body weight and leg
muscles to move the load more easily and safely. Pulling can cause more strain on your
back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. However, you should also avoid pushing loads
that are too heavy or unstable for you.

 Bend your knees:

When you have to lift or lower a load vertically by using your hands or arms, you
should bend your knees rather than your back. Bending your knees allows you to use your
leg muscles to lift or lower the load more easily and safely. Bending your back can cause
more strain on your spine, muscles, ligaments, or discs. However, you should also avoid
lifting or lowering loads that are too heavy or awkward for you.

 Postures of safe manual handling

Stance
Stand with the feet apart, and with one foot alongside the load in advance of the other.
This stance enables you to keep your balance while handling the load.

Straight Back

Maintain a straight back at all times and let the leg muscles do the work. This technique
helps to prevent back strain and injury.

Chin-In

Before lifting, raise the top of the head slightly and tuck the chin in. This posture helps
you to maintain a straight back during the lift.

Correct Grip

Take a proper hold. Grip with the palms and the roots of the fingers. This grip provides
the most strength and reduces the risk of dropping the load.

Arms Close To Body

Keep arms close to the body. The body then takes the weight instead of the finger, wrist,
arm, and shoulder muscles. This technique prevents strain on these smaller, weaker muscles.
 Feet Positions

Your leading foot should always point in the direction you mean to travel. This
positioning helps to maintain balance and prevent falls.

Body Weight

Use your body weight to save muscular effort. By leaning into the load or using your
body’s momentum, you can reduce the amount of force needed to move the load.

Handling and Lifting Principles

 Maintain a natural posture whenever possible during manual handling, keeping your ‘spine in
line’.

 Always create a good, stable base, by widening your stance within comfortable limits; placing
one foot in front of the other, about shoulder width apart. With your knees slightly bent.

 Keep any load, or point of force, as close to your vertical Centre of gravity as possible.

 Use the large leg and buttock muscles to provide the power during manual handling techniques.
These muscles are more capable of handling heavy loads without injury.

Example of Manual Handling Risks

Generally, the risk factors for manual handling follow the principle of direct correlation. For
example, if the frequency, magnitude, or duration of hazardous manual handling increases, then
the risk of being injured also increases, as well as the need for more effective control measures or
higher levels in the hierarchy of controls. According to SafeWork Australia, the characteristics of
hazardous manual tasks involve:

 Repetitive Force – lifting and stacking goods onto a pallet

 Sustained Force – carrying objects over long distances
 High Force – lifting, lowering, or carrying a heavy object
 Sudden Force – throwing or catching objects
 Repetitive Movement – lifting goods from a conveyor belt and packing them in a carton
 Sustained Posture – supporting plasterboard sheeting while it is nailed into place
 Awkward Posture – squatting while servicing plant or a vehicle
 Whole-body Vibration – operating mobile plant such as heavy earth moving machinery
  Hand-arm Vibration – using impact wrenches, chainsaws, jackhammers, grinders, and
drills

Injuries and Health problems due to risks of manual loading

The hazards and risks of manual handling can result in various types of injuries or health
problems, such as:

1. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): These are injuries or disorders that affect the
muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, blood vessels, or organs of the body.
MSDs can be caused by excessive or prolonged force, pressure, tension, compression, shear,
torsion, or vibration applied to the body during manual handling. MSDs can affect any part
of the body, but they are most common in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, and
feet. MSDs can manifest as pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, bruising, bleeding,
numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of function. MSDs can be acute (occurring suddenly or
immediately after manual handling) or chronic (developing gradually or persisting over
time). Some examples of MSDs are:

 Back injuries: These are injuries that affect the spine or the surrounding muscles,
ligaments, or discs. Back injuries can be caused by lifting heavy or awkward loads,
bending or twisting the spine, maintaining poor posture, or experiencing sudden
impact or jolt. Back injuries can result in lower back pain, sciatica, slipped disc,
spinal fracture, or spinal cord damage.

 Sprains and strains: These are injuries that affect the ligaments (tissues that
connect bones) or the muscles and tendons (tissues that connect muscles to bones).
Sprains and strains can be caused by overstretching, tearing, or rupturing these
tissues during manual handling. Sprains and strains can result in pain, swelling,
bruising, inflammation, reduced range of motion, or loss of strength.

 Fractures and dislocations: These are injuries that affect the bones or the
joints. Fractures and dislocations can be caused by breaking or displacing the bones
during manual handling. Fractures and dislocations can result in pain, swelling,
deformity, bleeding, nerve damage, or impaired mobility.

 Hernias: These are injuries that occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a
weak spot in the abdominal wall. Hernias can be caused by increased pressure in the
 abdomen during manual handling. Hernias can result in pain, bulging, discomfort,
nausea, vomiting, or bowel obstruction.

2. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs): These are injuries or disorders that affect the
nerves, muscles, tendons, or blood vessels of the body. RSIs can be caused by repeated or
prolonged movements of the same body part during manual handling. RSIs can affect any
part of the body but they are most common in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and
eyes. RSIs can manifest as pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, numbness, tingling
RSIs can be acute (occurring suddenly or immediately after manual handling) or chronic
(developing gradually or persisting over time). Some examples of RSIs are:

 Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition that affects the median nerve that
runs from the forearm to the hand through a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by compressing or inflaming this nerve
during manual handling. Carpal tunnel syndrome can result in pain

 Loss of coordination in the hand and fingers

 Tendonitis: This is a condition that affects the tendons (tissues that connect
muscles to bones). Tendonitis can be caused by overusing or injuring these tissues
during manual handling. Tendonitis can result in pain

 Swelling

 Inflammation

 Reduced range of motion

 Loss of strength in the affected body part

 Bursitis: This is a condition that affects the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that
cushion the joints). Bursitis can be caused by irritating or inflaming these sacs
during manual handling. Bursitis can result in pain.

The severity and frequency of these injuries or health problems can vary depending on the
individual and the situation. Some workers may experience mild or occasional symptoms that do
not interfere with their work or daily activities. Others may suffer from severe or chronic
conditions that require medical attention or affect their quality of life. In some cases, these
injuries or health problems can be fatal or cause permanent disability.
 Therefore, it is important to identify and assess the hazards and risks of manual handling
in your workplace and take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize them. By doing so,
you will be able to prevent and reduce the occurrence and impact of these injuries or health
problems on your workers and yourself.

Evaluation of Manual Handling Postures using WERA

1. Lifting / Lowering
Total Wera Score for Posture A= 33
Total Wera Score for posture B = 27 (Acceptable)
2. Carrying

Posture A

Posture B

Let us consider the following posture for Carrying and calculating the WERA score for
the above mentioned postures
Total Score Posture A: 38
Total Score Posture B: 29
3. Pushing / Pulling
Now Considering Following Postures for WERA Analysis of Pushing and Pulling
Total Score Pulling: 28
Total Score Pushing:25
The observed postures were assessed as suitable and possible top carry out for a longer period of
time. Now discussing the un-suitable and dangerous postures for pushing and pulling.

For Push:
Total Push Score: 35
Pull Score:
Total Pull Score: 44
Conclusion:
 The above mentioned report discussed all the aspects of manual handling of different
equipment and associated postures with all the different actions.
 Manual handling techniques and different associated postures were analyzed with WERA
technique to discuss all the related posture scores.
 Suitable postures were discussed with along with the dangerous postures related to the
body.

References:

 Safe Manual Handling: A Comprehensive Guide - Safety Notes

 Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) (cornell.edu)
 Comparing the Effectiveness of Three Ergonomic Risk Assessment Methods—
RULA, LUBA, and NERPA—to Predict the Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal
Disorders - PMC (nih.gov)