What is the most likely kind of injury resulting from manual materials handling?
It is probably fair to say that every worker who lifts or does other manual handling tasks is at some risk for musculoskeletal injury. Low back injury is the most likely kind of injury. The complete elimination of this risk is not realistic because MMH usually involves awkward postures and repeated forceful movements. However, people can reduce the number and the severity of manual handling-related injuries substantially by using safe work practices. How can we prevent back injury resulting from MMH? To prevent occupational back injuries, it is essential to identify the factors of MMH that make the worker more susceptible to injury or that directly contribute to injury. When efforts to prevent injuries from MMH focus on only one risk factor, they do not significantly reduce the injury rate. A more successful approach such as the one offered by ergonomics combines knowledge of engineering, environment, and human capabilities and limitations. The following aspects should be considered: •
