1. Lower Back Injuries
The most common injury from manual handling is lower back strain. Improper lifting techniques or repeated bending can stretch or tear muscles and ligaments, leading to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
2. Shoulder Injuries
Manual tasks often involve reaching, lifting above shoulder height, or carrying uneven loads—all of which put stress on shoulder joints. Rotator cuff tears and tendinitis are frequent outcomes of improper handling.
3. Sprains and Strains
Sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle or tendon injuries) are common when workers lift or twist awkwardly. These injuries can affect various parts of the body and often result in time off work.
4. Hernias
A hernia occurs when internal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, often caused by lifting heavy objects improperly. It can lead to pain and may require surgery.
5. Knee Injuries
Kneeling, squatting, or twisting while lifting can damage ligaments or cartilage in the knees. Meniscus tears and ligament strains are frequent among workers in physically demanding jobs.
6. Hand and Wrist Injuries
Repetitive tasks like gripping, carrying, or twisting can cause strains or carpal tunnel syndrome. These injuries are especially common in jobs requiring frequent manual handling of tools or materials.
7. Elbow Injuries
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, can result from repeated lifting, gripping, or twisting. It causes pain around the elbow and forearm, reducing strength and function.
8. Neck Strain
Lifting loads while looking up or down excessively can strain neck muscles and lead to stiffness or chronic pain. Poor posture and lack of breaks during repetitive tasks increase the risk.
9. Foot Injuries
Dropping heavy items on your foot or moving loads without proper footwear can result in fractures, bruises, or sprains. These injuries are preventable with steel-toe boots and caution.
10. Spinal Disc Injuries
Improper manual handling can compress spinal discs, leading to herniated or slipped discs. These injuries are serious, potentially requiring extended rest, therapy, or surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What causes injuries during manual handling?
Most injuries occur due to poor technique, lack of training, overexertion, or repetitive motion without adequate rest.
Q2: How can I prevent manual handling injuries?
Use proper lifting techniques, ask for help with heavy loads, take frequent breaks, and use mechanical aids when possible.
Q3: What are the signs of a manual handling injury?
Pain, swelling, reduced mobility, numbness, or weakness in the affected area are common symptoms. Seek medical advice if they persist.
Q4: Should I report minor injuries from manual handling?
Yes. Reporting all injuries ensures proper treatment and helps prevent more serious incidents in the future.
Q5: Can training reduce manual handling injuries?
Absolutely. Regular manual handling training teaches correct techniques, reducing the risk of injury significantly.
Q6: What role does equipment play in injury prevention?
Using trolleys, hoists, or adjustable height platforms can minimize physical strain and prevent injuries during manual tasks.
Conclusion
Understanding the most common injury from manual handling—and the many others associated with it—is key to staying safe on the job. With the right training, technique, and equipment, workers can significantly reduce their risk and maintain long-term physical health.