What kind of injuries can result from manual handling?
Manual handling can lead to injury through the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorder is a term that describes injuries affecting the bones and soft tissue structure (other than the organs) of the body. Examples include sprains of ligaments, strains of muscles or tendons, injuries to the back, nerves, bones and joints and soft tissue hernias. A musculoskeletal disorder may occur suddenly from a single act of overexertion, for example straining a back muscle whilst pushing a heavily laden trolley or spraining a shoulder ligament whilst lifting a heavy object. More likely, however, is that an MSD will develop over time from minor strains and the gradual wear and tear of the muscular or skeletal systems. Because these minor strains and gradual wear and tear may not involve pain at the time the manual handling activity is carried out there is often the incorrect perception that these activities don’t involve any risk. Musculoskeletal disorders encompass injuries
