Various industries require workers to manually handle and move heavy loads as part of their everyday tasks. However, the issue with this is that, despite using proper lifting techniques, there is always a high chance of injuries occurring.
As such, it’s beneficial for workers in industrial settings to rely on the use of moving equipment to help them carry out manual handling tasks with reduced risk and more efficiency. We’ll look at these in this guide, discussing the common risks and injuries of manually handling heavy loads and the benefits of using powered movers as an alternative.
The Risks of Manual Handling
Should workers be required to lift and carry heavy loads as part of their day-to-day job, this poses a high risk of them from experiencing strain to the body and can even lead to serious injuries. Not only is this hazardous to their health, but it would also result in setbacks for your business.
For example, the more workers there are that need to take time off work, and the more often they need to do so ultimately results in less operational efficiency for your business. This in turn can then cause setbacks and/or have financial repercussions.
Not only this, but if necessary measures aren’t put in place to prevent or reduce the risk of injuries due to manual handling, then in the worst case scenario workers may sue your business if they are left with life-altering or permanent injuries.
Hand Injuries
Whilst hand injuries may not sound as severe as other types of injuries, they can still impact many individual’s ability to work - specifically those who work in a physical position.
It’s unavoidable to use your hands during manual handling, so in actuality it’s not that surprising that hand-related injuries are so common when doing so. Cuts, strains, fractures and broken fingers are all common examples of hand injuries that can occur when carrying large and/or heavy objects - the latter two of which are often severe enough to prevent an individual from being able to continue handling such loads until fully healed.
Foot Injuries
Similarly, foot injuries are also relatively common during manual handling. Should a load be dropped or set down incorrectly, it can cause minor damage, such as bruising, or more serious damage such as broken toes or feet.
Even if the correct uniform is provided (i.e. steel-toe boots), there is still the potential for injuries to occur.
Shoulder Injuries
Regardless of how good the lifting technique being used is, there is always a risk of shoulder injury when carrying heavy loads.
The rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons that protect the shoulder joint, is particularly vulnerable to damage as a result of heavy loads, being susceptible to strain and even tears. Heavier loads also increase the risk of shoulder dislocations, which can result in permanent damage to the nerves and/or bones, and may even lead to long-term shoulder arthritis.
Neck Injuries
The neck is one of the areas in the body that’s particularly susceptible to strains. Poor technique and heavy loads can both damage the tendons, ligaments and muscles located in the neck, rustling in stiffness and pain that subsequently limit the range of movement of the neck all together.
These injuries can become all the more likely or frequent over time as a result of repetitive manual handling.
Hernias
A hernia is when an internal part of the body (such as tissue or an organ) pushes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall. There are various types of hernia, however the most common is the inguinal hernia, which occur when part of the bowel pokes through into the groin, around the inner thigh area.
This is most often caused by repeated strain on the tummy - such as that caused by lifting. Hernias can be painful and may require surgery.
Back Injuries
Similar to hernias, heavy lifting also has the potential to cause herniated discs, also known as slipped discs.
A slipped disc is when the centre of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened part of the spine. This can then put pressure on the nerves, resulting in pain in various areas of the body.
Whilst there are various factors that can cause a slipped disc, repeated lifting of heavy objects can make a slipped disc more likely.
Alongside this, other back-related injuries and pain are also common.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders, also known as MSDs, refers to a range of conditions that impact the muscles, nerves, joints and connective tissues. This can range from various conditions, including but not limited to:
● Osteoarthritis
● Hip conditions
● Joint replacement
● Knee conditions
● Dislocations
Unlike other types of injuries, which are immediate, MSDs can develop over time and often result in a chronic problem that can severely limit someone’s mobility and dexterity.
How Does Moving Equipment Ensure Safer Manual Handling?
As you can see, injuries caused by manual handling are serious issues that can ultimately result in significant consequences for both employees and businesses. So, what manual handling solutions are there to mitigate these risks?
One of the most effective solutions is to use powered moving equipment. Not only do these reduce the risk of injuries from occurring, but they also have the added benefit of increasing the productivity of your work operations.
Electric Tow Tugs
Electric tow tugs are designed to help you move heavy loads over a flat or slightly sloping surface with ease. They’re ideal for transporting heavy loads over a short to medium distance and come in a range of shapes and sizes to suit various load requirements.
These machines feature an electric motor and wheels, which work together to remove strain and exertion from the operator, who simply directs the tug to where it needs to go. As such, they don’t have to struggle with the weight of the load being transported, thus are less likely to encounter an injury.
Electric Movers
Similar to electric tow tugs, electric movers feature an electrically-powered motor and wheels, allowing them to move independently whilst reading the weight of a load.
There are some key differences between the two, however. One of these is that electric movers are operated via radio control, meaning there is no physical interaction between personnel and the heavy loads being moved, keeping them entirely risk-free of an injury caused by manual handling.
Another difference is that they are best suited for use with loads that benefit from being lifted at one end, such as trailers or towed-caravans. Their compact size makes them convenient to store and use, especially in tight or restricted spaces, all without losing lifting capacity or strength.
From Tow Tugs to Stock Movers: Get in Touch with Multi-Mover UK
If you’re in need of efficient and cost-effective equipment to reduce the risk of injury to your workers, all whilst improving productivity, then look to us here at Multi-Mover UK.
We have a range of moving equipment available for hire or to buy, including electric tow tugs (featuring maintenance-free motors, forceful acceleration and excellent brakes), electric movers and stock movers.
To learn more about any of the models we have available, or to enquire about which product might be best suited to your workplace requirements, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.
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