The organisation in charge of the work needs to make an assessment of the risks involved in tasks where tools, equipment or materials are handled manually. These assessments need to be undertaken for all operations to take account of the task, the load, the working environment, the individual's capability and the requirement to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level which is reasonably practicable. In addition, volunteers undertaking manual handling operations need to be provided with appropriate instructions and information on the weight of the load. Volunteers are required under Health and Safety legislation to adhere to systems of safe working laid down by the organisation. The general principles involved in safe lifting and handling are: - Think of the ergonomics of the situation and plan what you are going to do first.
- Seek alternatives to the manual handling of loads e.g. use of machinery, change of process etc.
- Be aware of your own and other people's physical limitations.
- Get help to move heavy objects.
- If you think you cannot cope with a situation, do not even try.
- Do not bend or twist your back, keep it as straight as possible and don't make it do the work as it damages very easily.
- Make use of your strong muscles in arms, legs and thighs.
- Make sure you have a good grip, not just with fingertips.
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