MMH - Introduction

What makes manual materials handling hazardous?

MMH is always hazardous but the level of risk depends on what you are handling, what the task is, and what the conditions are at the workplace or work site. For example, the material or load that you are handling may be: The task can make MMH hazardous if a worker: The working conditions can also contribute to MMH hazards and result in injuries, for example:

• general Too heavy for the task that you are doing.
• general Located too high or too low for a safe lift.
• general Too big or may have a shape that makes it hard to handle.
• safety Wet, slippery, or have sharp edges that make it hard to grasp.
• general Unstable or can shift its centre of gravity because it contains material that can flow (e.g., water, sand, a partially filled drum, or concrete in a wheelbarrow, or many objects within a container that are unbalanced or can shift).
• general Too big to let you see where you are putting your feet.
• ergonomic Uses poor lifting techniques (lifting too fast, too often or too long; lifting with back bent or while twisting or reaching too far; lifting while sitting or kneeling, etc.).
• general Has to move material over long distances.
• general Lifts or handles more than they can control safely.
• general Does not take appropriate rest breaks; or has insufficient recovery time.
• ergonomic Has a combination of handling tasks (e.g. lifting, carrying and lowering).
• general Wears clothing that restricts movement or reduces grip strength.
• safety Walking surfaces that are uneven, sloping, wet, icy, slippery, unsteady, etc.
• general Differences in floor levels or walking surfaces.
• chemical Poor housekeeping that can lead to slip, trip and fall hazards.
• physical Inadequate lighting.
• physical Cold or very hot and humid working conditions.
• general Strong wind or gusty conditions.
• general Working at a high pace.
• general Movement is restricted because of clothing or personal protective equipment.
• ergonomic Space is small or posture is constrained, or both.