Manual Material Handling 

Designing Control

1. When possible, jobs should be designed to minimize manual material handling.
2. When possible, mechanical lifting devices (forklifts, hoists, cranes, and block and tackle) should be used.
3. Manual lifting and carrying devices (dollies, hand trucks, pry bars, and hooks) should available and in good condition.
4. Where possible, materials and equipment should be used that should easy to lift and carry (for example, bricks with handholds or fibreglass ladders).
5. Where possible, materials should order in small, light quantities (for example, 3-foot drywall or small packages of cement).
6. Lifting tasks should be divided among workers to reduce repetitive lifting.
7. Heavy materials which must be lifted manually should be stored off the ground, no lower than knee height. (This limits the height of the lifting required, and reduces pressure on the spine.)
8. Heavy materials should be stored where there is enough space to lift them safely, without reaching or twisting.
9. When possible, jobs should be designed to minimize manual material handling.

Administrative Control

1. Workers should be trained about all identified lifting hazards on the job
2. Workers should be trained in safe lifting techniques Work Practices
3. Materials should be delivered as close as possible to where they will be used.
4. Loads should split up to reduce weight.
5. Walkways should be kept clear to allow the use of material handling devices like carts and dollies.
6. Mechanical devices or team lifting techniques should be used for heavy loads whenever possible.
7. Before lifting and carrying heavy objects, workers plan the task, including resting points if necessary.
8. Workers use the correct grip, test the load before lifting and lift and hold the load close to the body.
9. Loads should be lifted and lowered gradually.
10. Mechanical devices or team lifting techniques should be used for heavy loads whenever possible.
11. Workers should be encouraged to “warm-up” at the start of each shift, and to take regular stretch breaks.