MANUAL HANDLING & ERGONOMICS
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London’s only SEMA approved inspector, Justin O’Sullivan, outlines the precautions responsible parties should take when dealing with manual handling and warehouse racking.
Both manual handling and warehouse racking are subject to health and safety legislation which your business must comply with. Manual handling is covered by the Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations 1999 and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) 1992.
Pallet racking is classified as “work equipment” and therefore requires regular inspection under health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It’s essential that you maintain best practices in the warehouse not only for legal reasons, but also to ensure the safety of your employees and assist in the smooth running of your business.
“MANUAL HANDLING RESPONSIBILITIES DO NOT END WITH THE EMPLOYER. EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE REASONABLE CARE OF NOT ONLY THEIR OWN HEALTH AND SAFETY, BUT ALSO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OTHERS THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY THEIR ACTIONS.”
As an employer, it is your responsibility to reduce manual handling as far as practically and reasonably possible. If manual handling is to take place, you must take steps to reduce the risk of injury as far as practically and reasonably possible. Pay attention if an employee complains of pain or discomfort. You should consider making changes to your manual handling procedures in the event of a complaint, and monitor these changes to see whether they make a positive impact.
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There are three main manual handling issues to consider:
1. Is hazardous manual handling being properly assessed for risk?
2. Can hazardous manual handling be avoided?
3.
If it cannot be avoided, what reasonable and practical steps can be taken to reduce the risk of injury?
Manual handling responsibilities do not end with the employer. Employees are expected to take reasonable care of not only their own health and safety, but also the health and safety of others that may be affected by their actions.
WHAT HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES CAN ARISE AROUND
WAREHOUSE RACKING? Warehouse racking is a fantastic way of making the most of available space. It allows lots of stock to be stored safely, which frequently includes stock being racked vertically. This brings one of the greatest dangers of warehouse racking: items falling from height. This can arise from unlevel racking, which causes stock to fall off a slanted surface, or incorrect technique used by warehouse pickers and manual handlers.
Manual handlers have an important responsibility in this scenario. Whenever they see an unsafe load, they must inform the Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS). Every warehouse that deals with lots of racking should have a PRRS. It’s also good form to wear protective headwear if stock is stored at height.
Another common danger with warehouse racking is sharp edges. This damage is caused by contact from forklifts and can leave very sharp, jagged edges exposed on the racking. This can catch, cut and tear clothing, or even cause nasty cuts to the skin. It is absolutely critical that if
a manual handler discovers this kind of fault, it is reported immediately. It’s simply too dangerous to ignore.
WHICH TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT CAN INCREASE THE SAFETY OF
MANUAL HANDLERS? When working with any mechanical lifting equipment, such as forklifts, it is essential that personal protective equipment is worn. This includes hi vis clothing and sturdy protective footwear. These items should be standard issue in warehouses. As previously mentioned, in certain warehouse environments, it may also be necessary to wear hard hats.
Common sense is an invaluable tool when it comes to warehouse racking. If something looks unsafe or unreliable, it probably is, and it should be reported. Most accidents are avoidable. Manual handlers should always keep the dangers of the warehouse environment in mind and stay switched on at all times - even towards the end of a long shift.
www.semarackinginspections.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
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