Retail-manual handling

A 17 year old worker collapsed after lifting a 20 kg bag of onions, which gave him a sharp pain in his back. His injuries left him unable to work.

Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling are the most common ways of hurting yourself in the retail industry.  These are also known as manual tasks. Manual tasks can be dangerous, particularly when:

  • a high amount of strength is needed to do the job
  • you work in uncomfortable or awkward positions
  • you stay in one position for a long time, or
  • you move parts of your body repeatedly without rest breaks. 

Believe it or not, there are things that you can do to avoid being hurt while you carry out manual tasks.  The main thing to do is to avoid or limit the types of things that make the manual task dangerous.

Before you start a job where you have to move, lift, carry, push or pull something, have a think about what you can do to make the job as safe as possible.  Ask yourself:

  • Can I organize the way I do my job so that I don’t have to lift, carry, push or pull at all? Can I organize it so that it is not dangerous? For example, I don’t have to go into awkward postures.
  • Can I use a piece of equipment (such as a trolley or step stool), so that the task is safer and easier to do? 
  • Can I change or prepare the place where I have to carry out these tasks (such as clear the walkways or store things on a different shelf) to make the job easier to do?
  • Can I make the load less heavy before I lift it (such as break the load up into smaller loads)?
  • Can I do a variety of tasks or take breaks from certain actions or postures so that my body does not get tired from doing activities for long periods of time?
  • If I cannot make the task safer, have I let my supervisor or manager know, so that they know that the task may be unsafe and they can assist with finding a solution?
  • Do I need more training to understand how to do this task safely?
  • In the meantime, can I ask another worker to assist me or use a better posture to do the task?

How do I carry out a manual task safely?

Before the task

GET WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE TASK:

  • Have all the equipment you need to do the task. 
  • Seek help if you need it.

PREPARE THE WORKPLACE, THE LOAD AND EQUIPMENT: 

  • Clear the path.
  • Open doors.
  • Check where you are going to, and have that area prepared.
  • Check the floor for slip and trip hazards.
  • Turn lights on if needed.
  • Ensure you have spotted places for rest breaks along the way if needed.
  • Test the load to make sure it's not too heavy for you to lift on your own.
  • Break the load into smaller weights.

PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR POSTURE:

  • Mentally concentrate on the task. Think through the task and the positions that you need to be in.
  • Test the ground surface for grip and stability before stepping onto it.
  • Position feet apart (eg. shoulder width apart) so that you are more stable on the ground.
  • Use a posture which will help avoid bending, over reaching and twisting.
  • Get a good grip of anything you are carrying.
  • Get further assistance if needed.
  • Check your posture – keep the natural curves in your spine.

During the task

USE EQUIPMENT THAT’S BEEN MADE AVAILABLE:

  • Use the equipment the way it was designed to be used.

ADOPT SAFE POSTURES AND MOVEMENTS:

  • Keep arms and the load close to your body.
  • Keep the load in line with the body, where possible.
  • Avoid twisting (keep your body facing the direction that you are going in).
  • Where possible try to use your legs for power.
  • Look where you are going.
  • Stop if it feels uncomfortable.
  • Don’t rush - prepare to do the movement in small steps if appropriate.
  • Try and keep movements smooth and steady.
  • Breathe normally throughout the task.

After the task

  • Review how the task was done – was there anything you did really well? Is there anything you could improve?
  • Put away equipment and ensure the area is safe.

Moving Shopping Trolleys

A young part time trolley collector collected five trolleys in a line. He connected them with an 'occy strap' (an elastic strap with a metal hook at each end) and began pushing them down a ramp. The front three trolleys separated going down the ramp, stretching the occy strap. The hook nearest the worker straightened out and the strap recoiled upwards, striking the worker in the throat and killing him.

Your boss should train you in how to move the trolleys safely, provide a lightweight, strong, non-elastic strap and make sure the trolleys are well maintained.

During the task

  • Don't move more than 12 shopping trolleys by yourself on a flat surface. 
  • Fasten moving trolleys together with a lightweight, strong non elastic strap.

REMEMBER: SPEAK UP IF YOU THINK THE JOB IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU

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