Top Tip Tuesday - Kinetic Lifting

K – KINETIC LIFTING

Yes, we could’ve used manual handling but that would be too easy. Kinetic lifting sounds more interesting (and more technical). In simple terms, how can I manually handle an object without causing an injury. There are many techniques which can help avoid injury. Here are our top tips:

• Manual handling assessment - Identify any tasks and activities where lifting, moving, or handling heavy and awkward items poses a significant risk of injury. This could be injuries to any of the muscle groups to the upper limbs, ligaments, discs, and tendons. Injuries to hands and fingers can also be a result of activities involving lifting, carrying, and putting down.
• Stay close – if you are unloading from a vehicle, park as close as possible to the delivery area.
• Mechanical aids - Try and introduce mechanical aids to help. This may include a pallet truck (manual or electric), trolleys, sack trucks, or it could even be a grab machine. Can the manual element of the task be removed?
• Carry less – simple idea which we realise can take longer but allows you to not stretch yourself. Plus, you get more steps in!
• Keep the load close – Balance is key. Where possible, avoid overstretching and extending your arms to lift or handle a load. Slide the load towards you. Elevate the pallet truck to waist height. Keep the load as close to the body as possible.
• Training – many employees in most industries will require some form of information and training on how to adopt correct lifting techniques. Make sure you plan this training whether it is through classroom, e-learning or practical demonstration, ensure they have the right knowledge to apply the correct decisions.
• Stay fit – a strong core can help when handling. Warming up is also essential rather than attempting to handle something when you are cold.

Need more help on this? Contact us as we are happy to advise and guide you.