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Workplace Health andSafety

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Manual Handling

What is Manual Handling?

To ensure our stores are inviting and well presented for our customers in your role you will be required to fulfil various manual tasks. Manual handling refers to any activity requiring the use of force to:

  • Push
  • Pull
  • Lift
  • Lower
  • Throw
  • Carry
  • Fold
  • Restrain
  • Assemble or
  • Otherwise, move an object

Manual Handling Injuries

Contrary to common belief, manual handling injuries are generally not the result of one-off incidents. Typically, they are the accumulation of stress caused by using a continuous poor technique, over an extended period of time.

Some of the risk factors that lead to manual handling injuries include:

  • Overexertion
  • Repetitive actions
  • Poor housekeeping
  • Poor workplace layout or design
  • Incorrect lifting technique
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Identifying manual handling hazards

Not all manual handling is hazardous. A manual task becomes hazardous when it involves one or more of the following:

  • Repetitive or sustained application of force
  • Repetitive or sustained awkward postures
  • Repetitive or sustained movements
  • Application of high force
  • Exposure to sustained vibration
  • Tasks involving the handling of unstable/unbalanced loads that are difficult to grasp or hold
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Lift S.M.A.R.T

While workplace design and use of mechanical lifting aids are preferable, there are occasions in our environment when manual lifting is unavoidable. The S.M.A.R.T lifting technique is a safe way to pick up small, light loads from low levels.

Swipe left to see S.M.A.R.T lifting in practise.

  • S - Size up the load

    • Do not move or handle more than you can easily manage.
    • Create and maintain a stable base/position.
    • Ensure a good hold on the load.
    • Put down, then adjust.
  • M - Move close to the load

    Keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible.

  • A - Always apply the semi-squat position

    The semi-squat allows for:

    • The spine to be maintained with its normal curvature, which places less demand on the spinal extensor muscles.
    • The overall load distribution to be shared through the ankles, knees and hips more evenly providing greater stability and adaptability.
    • Adaptability to different situations.
  • R - Raise the load smoothly and with your legs

    • Keep your spine in the same position.
    • Do not flex your back any further as you lift.
    • Keep your head up when handling.
  • T - Turn by moving on your feet

    • Avoid twisting the trunk or leaning sideways, especially while your back is bent.
    • Avoid jerking movements, keep it smooth.

Working with compactus

Follow these safety guidelines to keep you and your team safe when using compactus:

  • Check that all aisles are clear before moving any compactus bay.
  • PUSH the compactus bay (never pull), keeping your elbow at a 90-degree angle - always use the handle provided and push off with your legs but use your whole body as a force.
  • Only move one compactus bay at a time.
  • Watch for trip hazards, including compactus rails and any items that may have fallen, or been left in between the compactus bays.
  • When storing or retrieving items from the compactus bay, avoid overreaching and be careful of shelf edges.
  • Ensure all items are stacked inside the shelves neatly so they don’t fall - place heavier items on the lower shelves.
  • Don’t place objects on top of the compactus bay (outside of designated shelving), or in a way that prevents it from closing.
  • Regularly check that compactus rails are clear of any items that may prevent compactus bays from moving correctly along them.

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