SECTION 4

MANUAL HANDLING

Lesson Plan

Time:1 – 1 ½ hrs

Equipment:Computer (projector if available)

Flip chart / white board and pens

Pens and scrap paper

Empty cardboard boxes (various sizes)

Subject / Teaching points and practices / Equipment
Introduction. / Areas to be covered: -
  • Manual handling
  • Workplace safety

Importance of manual handling / Types of injury: -
  • Most are back injury, though hands, arms and feet are also vunerable
  • On average each injury results in 20 days off work
  • Sometimes the victim never recovers
  • Injuries can build up over time not just by a single incident
/ Powerpoint
Where and when manual handling occurs / Discuss when manual handling occurs in the workplace.
  • Deliveries
  • Food
  • Chemical
  • Equipment
  • General duties
Give examples of equipment where specific training in required eg.
  • Trampolines
  • Gym equipment
  • Athletic equipment
  • Staging units
/ Flip chart and pens
Identifying and reducing the risk of injury / Discuss safe methods of lifting and common mistakes. / Flip chart and pens
Powerpoint
Safe lifting techniques /
Stop and think
Plan the lift
  • Do you need help with the load?
  • Remove obstructions
Position the feet
  • Feet apart, giving a balanced and stable base for lifting
Adopt a good posture
  • When lifting from a low level, bend the knees. Keep the back straight.
  • Lean forward a little over the load if necessary to get a good grip.
  • Keep the shoulders level and facing in the same direction as the hips.
Get a firm grip
  • Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs
  • Check grip is secure
Keep close to the load
  • Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible.
  • Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the trunk
Don’t jerk
  • Lift smoothly, keeping control of the load
  • A jerking movement can strain muscles, particularly when cold
Move the feet
  • Don’t twist the trunk when turning to the side. This is a particularly hazardous thing to do
Put down then adjust
  • If precise positioning of the load is required, put it down first, then slide it into the desired position
/ Powerpoint
Practice safe lifting techniques / Group practice with empty cardboard boxes
Reconstruct various tasks using the boxes e.g.
  • Putting away a delivery onto shelves
  • Picking boxes up in a small area and placing on a table
  • Walking up or down stairs
  • Two people carrying a load (think communication!)
Get group to comment and discuss exercise / Empty cardboard boxes (various sizes)
Workplace safety / Discuss workplace safety and hazards not just relating to manual handling specific to office and staff areas e.g.
  • Slips trips and falls
  • Equipment left out
  • Faulty equipment
  • Handling cash
/ Flip chart and pens
Summary /
Ask group spot questions on all areas covered
/ Powerpoint

June 2013 - Issue 2Page 1 of 4

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3D LEISURE - Health & Safety Refresher Training Manual