The Common Problems Encountered When Failing to Provide Lifting Solutions

It has been found that over one third of injuries requiring absence from work for a minimum of three days are as a result of manual handling related injuries. Most commonly, sprains and strains from the overexertion of muscles can be very strenuous on the joints, often resulting in physio-therapy. The dropping of objects onto feet can also cause fractures and even broken bones. Lacerations from sharp edges and musculoskeletal disorders as a result of a lengthy period of bad lifting technique are also more common place than widely assumed.

Some of the above mentioned injuries are usually the result of poor lifting technique and involve a heavy or awkward object. However, musculoskeletal disorders tend to result from lifting a small weight badly for an extended period of time. This can lead to severe back pain and discomfort.

The office is usually presumed to be safe of these types of injury, but even a box of paper weighs 12.5kg, whilst a full water bottle equates to 18.5kg. However, as we encounter such everyday objects so regularly, its nearly impossible to produce a written risk assessment for them all. Still, staff should consider the basic techniques needed to avoid needless injury. Companies such as Advanced Handling provide such training.

Training is to regulation standards and each instructor has over 20 years instructional experience in all types of industries and are entirely committed to providing professional instruction to stimulate efficient and safe working practices.  In addition to Manual Handling training, they can also provide training for Operators, Instructors, Supervisors and Managers - covering all types of fork lift trucks, plant equipment, slinging and banksman courses.

This is especially useful for companies whose work environments are dedicated to the lifting and manoeuvring of heavy equipment. In these industries it is often required by laws such as LOLER to have material handling solutions at hand to deal with extremely heavy equipment. Products such as fork lift trucks and pallet loaders are invaluable in the movement of materials. They can however be cumbersome and ineffectual in smaller warehouses and nooks and crannies around the work place. Freedom stackers and scissor lifts are in these situations, better suited for tighter working environments. They may be manually operated and are still capable of lifting considerable mass.

For any business owner or anyone in charge of a business budget, the cost of lifting solutions will almost certainly be a key consideration when thinking about making a purchase.   Because of this, second hand mobile scissor lifts and other similar equipment may be an attractive option as the cost will usually be less than brand new manual handling solutions.  The disadvantage of sourcing second hand equipment is that it may in fact end up costing you more money in the long run.

It is therefore the wisest course of action to employ both training and machinery in tandem in order to achieve the best health and safety practice.

About us: Advanced Handling specialise in scissor lift design and make mobile scissor lifts, electric stackers, scissor tables other lifting solutions as well as other various lifting solutions. They’re also knowledgeable on manual handling legislation included in the health and safety regulations for most industries