Manual Handling

Safe Work Practice

SWP 006 M

Hazards Resources LI C E N C E

Present FALLING OBJECTS

available SAFETY VEST FLUIDS

Working Safely LI C E N C E

•• Watch the Manual Handling DVD and use the below questions to review SAFETY VEST FLUIDS

•• Manual handling is any activity that requires lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching, holding
etc. Overtime, poor manual handling practices can put strain on muscles and joints and
cause injury
•• SMART Moves techniques will enable you to work more efficiently and reduce the risk of
injury

SMART Moves:
SMART Squat
•• Spine:  Keep the natural s-shape curve of your spine – reduce the risk
of back and neck soreness
•• Muscles:  Use ‘Power Muscles’ (stomach/core, biceps and quads) to lift or
carry – more strength, less effort and fatigue
•• Assess and Adjust:  Assess and adjust the load and environment - position,
weight and shape to do the task a safe as possible
•• Reduce Rotation:  Lead with your feet. Step or use a split stance - reduce rotation in
your back and knees
•• Target Zone:  Work between your shoulders and mid-thigh – helps keep
your s-shape spine and use power muscles 1

SMART Squat helps keep your s-shaped spine when accessing items
that are low 2

Use a SMART Squat:

•• Every time you access something below mid-thigh
•• When picking something up from the floor or a low shelf

Use a kneel pad when kneeling to work at a low level – i.e. filling the bottom shelf

1. Start with your feet shoulder width apart

−− Inside of feet level with outside of shoulders

2. Bend your knees to squat down 3 4

−− Keep your spine in its natural s-shape

3. Keep your body weight through your heels

−− Don’t let your knees move past your toes

4. Push up with your thighs/quads (power muscles) to return to a standing position

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SMART Lift uses your power muscles when lifting and carrying
SMART Lift
Use a SMART Lift:
•• Every time you need to lift something 1

ALWAYS use the equipment provided, a team lift or break down the load if
it is heavy or awkward

1. Assess the load to check the weight before attempting a lift

2. Position your body as close to the load as possible, to work within your ‘target zone’
−− Use the SMART Squat if lifting something below your mid-thigh

3. Hold the load securely with both hands

−− Keep your elbows tucked in to use your biceps (power muscles) for the lift
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4. Keep your head facing forward when you start the lift
−− Breathe out as you begin to lift so your core muscles support your back

5. When moving, keep the load as close to your body as possible and your elbows tucked in
−− This ensures your power muscles take the load and you keep your spine in its
natural s-shape

6. Avoid repeated heavy lifting

Team Lift should be used if an item is too heavy or awkward to manage alone
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1. Agree on when you will lift, i.e. one, two, three, lift
−− Use a SMART Squat if lifting something below your mid-thigh

2. Perform a SMART lift, ensure both team members are working at the same level
−− Keep your head looking forward, breath out as you begin to lift and keep your
elbows tucked in

Team Lift

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SMART Push uses your biceps (power muscles) to make you

stronger when you need to push a load
Use a Power Push:
•• Every time you use a roll cage or trolley
ALWAYS ensure the stock is stacked below your shoulder height so you have clear visibility
Roll cages can be pulled at any time, but MUST be pulled if loaded above shoulder height.
1. Grasp the handle with both hands and tuck your elbows into your side
−− Ensures you are using your biceps to push the load
2. Keep your head facing forward when you start the push
−− Breathe out as you begin to push so your core muscles support your back
3. Use the strong muscles in your leg to start and manoeuvre the trolley or roll cage
1 2
4. When pulling, always have the green wheels facing the direction of travel (i.e. to the front)

SMART Reach helps keep your s-shaped spine when reaching

for items that are difficult to reach
Use the SMART Reach
•• To reach items at the front of the Deli case or from the back of a shelf
•• Every time you access something outside of your immediate reach

ALWAYS use a semi-squat when reaching for lower items SMART Reach
ALWAYS use a safety step when reaching for higher items
−− Ensure your weight is evenly balanced with both feet flat in the centre 1 2
on top of the step, do not stand on the edges
−− Step down backwards, never forwards

ALWAYS adjust the work area to minimise the amount you need reach

1. Reach forward with one arm

−− Don’t let your elbow go out to the side

2. Bring the opposite leg out behind you to act as counter balance
−− This makes you stable and keeps your spine in its natural s-shape
Lead with your feet
3. Place your free hand on a bench or shelf for extra support
−− Use two hands when reaching for a heavier item, lean your waist
on the bench, counter or shelf to help you stabilise

Reduce Rotation by working, lifting or carrying in your target zone

(between your shoulders and mid-thigh)
ALWAYS lead with your feet to avoid twisting your back and knees
Take a step to lead with your feet, ensure your hips are in line with your feet

•• If you don’t have room to take a step, use a split stance by shifting your weight
from one foot to another in the direction you are going
•• Regardless of the method used, your toes must always point in the direction
you are going Split Stance

Why this is important?

•• Manual handling is one of the most common risks of team member injury at stores. Lifting, reaching, pushing incorrectly can lead
to strains or sprain injuries and correct manual handling techniques are required at all times.

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