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Manual handling
Every year, over a third of all reported workplace injuries lasting
over 3 days happen while people are handling, lifting or carrying loads. Most injuries
caused by manual handling are to the back, though injury to other body parts - either from handling
or dropping heavy loads - is common.
Manual handling is something that occurs alot in all work environments.
Since even minor movements can cause problems if they're
repeated frequently or if the wrong handling technique is adopted,
it's a hazard that is often misjudged.
These pictures show a worker moving heavy beer crates and barrels down into a pub cellar.
In the picture on the left he's putting strain on his back by using it to lift rather than bending his legs.
This can lead to serious injury. In the picture on the right he's standing on damaged, uneven steps to reach
a heavy beer barrel and guide it down into the cellar. If he slips or loses his balance, the consequences
could be very serious and even fatal.
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More hazards