Heavy lifting (and work involving animals)
Manual handling occurs in virtually all sectors and covers the movement of any loads involving the exclusive or partial use of muscles. Examples include lifting, tipping, carrying, supporting, pulling, pushing, dragging, loading, shovelling, and sorting. Manual handling can involve only one person or several people jointly.
Lifting refers to any handling of a load such that it partially or completely loses contact with the underlying surface. Lifts can be performed upwards, downwards or in other directions. A lift always consists of a pick-up and a put-down action, and may involve carrying between the two.
Handling/lifting, etc. is manual when it is primarily carried out using muscles.
Lifting is heavy when it involves a risk of injury. Lifting loads of less than about 3 kg is not normally considered heavy lifting.
Pay attention to the following:
- how much do the things you are lifting weigh?
- how close to your body do you lift?
- do you bend your back when you lift?
- do you lift in a bent position?
- do you twist your body when you lift?
- do you lift with your arms at or above shoulder height?
- how many minutes do you spend lifting during a typically working day?
- how many lifts do you perform in this time?
- how many hours a week do you normally spend doing this type of lifting work?
Courses
Courses in heavy lifting (about 2 x 2 hours plus a small assignment) are available when a group (8 people) can be assembled. Send an email to Ann-Rose (arbot@dtu.dk) if you are interested.
Do you need help?
If you need ergonomic advice in relation to your workstation, please contact your local ergonomics ambassador. A list of these can be found on DTU Inside here: Ergonomiambassadoeren
Contact
Ann-Rose Bøttcher Sport and Health Coordinator Campus Service Mobile: +45 40604928 arbot@dtu.dk