Lifting and Carrying (Manual materials Handling)


Problem:

Workers who install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances and fixtures may face hazards from lifting and carrying (manual materials handling).


Risk Description:

Lifting heavy materials while installing flashing, pipe assembling, fittings, valves, appliances and fixtures can cause injury to muscles, nerves, discs and ligaments of the low back. Non-specific low back pain is not the result of a fall or some other acute traumatic injury, so it can be difficult to identify a specific event that led to the injury. Repetitive lifting can lead to low back muscle strain, ligament sprain, a bulging or herniated disc, or other back problems.


Assessment Info:

Liberty Mutual Manual Material Handling Guidelines can be helpful in determining maximum acceptable weight limits for lifting and carrying tasks along with suggested solutions for minimizing the risk of injury from lifting or carrying. Washington State LNI also has some useful tables that can help determine weight limits.