Manual Handling - Vanarama’s Best Practise Guide for Van Drivers

The Health and Safety Executive defines manual handling as, 'the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force'. The most common injuries where manual handling are concerned are pain, strain and back injuries, and they account for around 54 million working days per year. It is therefore important that you use correct techniques and equipment to minimise the risk of this type of injury.

To that end, Vanarama have provided these tips for safer working

• · Always use equipment to handle loads if possible.

• · Always ask for assistance at moving loads that you feel maybe too heavy or awkward to lift alone.

• · Always test the load to see how heavy it is before attempting to lift. Ask for assistance or use a mechanical aid if needed.

• · Pay attention to the type of load and try and ascertain the risks in moving it. Liquids, sharp points all play a part in causing injury.

• · If lifting from the floor, stand over the load with your feet either side of it, one shoulder width apart. Tightening your abdominal muscles assists lifting.

• · Ensure you keep your back straight, and your knees are bent and that you squat down when lifting a load from the floor.

• · Always keep a load close to your body, and use your leg muscles rather than your back to lift the load.

• · When moving the load, do not twist your body. Use your feet to position yourself.

• To place the load in an appropriate place, bend your knees rather than your back