How to avoid the risk of handling accidents?

What are the causes of handling accidents?

Handling refers to the movement or carrying of a load that requires the physical effort of one or more people. This effort is used to lift, place, push, pull, carry and move a heavy load.

Generally, handling accidents are caused by certain adverse conditions within the company.

These main causes are:

• The development of activities in a logistics structure (warehouse, port, etc.);
• The absence of ergonomic manual handling equipment.

Other conditions or factors favor handling accidents in a company and make manual handling difficult.

These are:

• Factors related to the load (weight, size and shape of the load);
• Workspace-related factors (cramped workspace, cluttered floor, aisles in poor condition, slippery floor, etc.);
• Environmental factors (cold or hot atmosphere, bad weather, deafening noises);
• Organisational factors (fast pace of work, repetitive movements, emergency work, shift work, night work).

How to prevent and avoid handling accidents?

It is important for an employer to pay attention to the environment, the type of floor and the size of the room in which the workers work. Manual handling of a load should be avoided as much as possible.

To do this, the employer must invest in the use of mechanical equipment or handling equipment. Even with occasional transport, there is significant exposure to the risk of accidents. This is why the use of light auxiliary equipment to transport loads is essential.

Here are some of the risks to which workers or operators are exposed:

• The high vibrations of the machines and other equipment used;
• Postural stresses that affect the spine;
• Bruises;
• Muscle bruises;
• Trauma due to falls.

Avoid handling accidents with Manut-LM!

Mechanical handling is an operation that involves the use of transport equipment or equipment to avoid the risks associated with
manual handling of loads
.

Lifting devices such as cranes, self-propelled forklifts and overhead cranes are used for mechanical handling. They help reduce tedious tasks.

All medically fit employees must be systematically trained in the use of handling equipment and therefore obtain the CACES.

Finally, the employer and his employees must identify dangerous situations on a daily basis and try to find solutions to avoid them. This detected risk or hazard must be included in the Single Occupational Risk Assessment Document (DUS).
You can find solutions to all your handling problems without installing additional structures at Manut-LM.

Contact us
and benefit from handling solutions adapted to your activity for the greater well-being of your employees.