| Manual handling assessments: a new approach |
A workshop was held as part of efforts to improve the manual handling of the workforce, and in particular as a part of the ‘Better Backs’ campaign. Several manual handling tasks were filmed by the HSE’s scientists and played back to attendees. The MAC tool, a colour-coded chart which allowed users to identify high risk workplace manual handling activities, was used. Although a simple measure, this was a way of engaging staff with the correct manual handling procedures.
A combination of the MAC tool and camcorder was then used to identify the six most hazardous tasks that can be carried out at the East Golds site. The activities were then replayed to the safety officer and those working on the equipment. They were able to analyse these tasks and as a result, several simple but effective solutions have been introduced in order to reduce the risks associated with manual handling operations.
The use of technology here and the involvement of the workers has helped to bring about some straight-forward solutions to dangerous tasks. |