Toolbox Talk | Manual Handling

1. Toolbox Talk
June 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK SAFELY
Manual handling is a major cause of back injury. One in five of those who suffer work-related ill
health have back pain – which is bad for both people and business.
High risk activity, such as heavy, frequent, or awkward lifting and handling can often be avoided
by using mechanical aids.
How does this affect me?
Think of the consequences of injuring yourself through incorrect manual handling techniques - Pain and
suffering, being unable to work, financial effect on your family, being unable to take part in your hobbies,
long term convalescence.
So what can we do about it?
First of all think! Before every lift, carry out your own manual handling risk assessment.
How do we do this?
Follow the T. I. L. E method.
T Is for task. Think does the load have to be moved? If not, don’t move it.
Can mechanical aids be used? Forklift, Chain block, sack barrow, rollers.
Does the lift involve pulling, pushing, twisting, repetition, lifting above head height?
I Is for individual. Has the individual been trained in manual handling techniques?
Is the individual physically fit? Is the lift a two man job?
L Is for load. How heavy is it? Has the load got sharp edges? Is it bulky? Is it difficult to handle? Can the
load be split into smaller lifts?
E Is for Environment. Where does the load have to be moved to? Is the way clear? Are there any steps? Is
there adequate height and width for the load to go through? Is the lighting adequate?
Then what?
Once you have decided that the load needs to be moved and you are physically able to move it without
further assistance - and the load is of manageable size and weight - and the environment is safe for moving
the load - and you have the correct PPE on.
You are ready to tackle the load
 Stand close to the load with your feet apart.
 Bend the knees and keep the back straight.
 Take a firm hold of the load.
 Lift slowly (do not jerk).

2. Toolbox Talk
June 15 A GDF SUEZ ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY
THINK SAFETY – WORK SAFELY
 Keep the load close to your body.
 Turn by moving your feet and not by twisting your body.
When putting the load down.
 Bend the Knees, keeping the back straight. Lower the load slowly.
 Rest the load down ensuring that you do not trap fingers or toes beneath the
load.
 Release the load and stand up slowly straightening the legs.
Remember.
Every individual is different, we do not all have the same strength. It is not clever or macho to try to lift a
load which may injure you.
Your back takes a long time to heal,
but only a second to injure.
Bad Lift Good lift