Manual Handling Risks Grab Irish Authority's Attention
A new guidance document published by the Health and Safety Authority recommends ways to prevent back injuries and strains caused by handling heavy loads or lifting loads to an unsafe height.
Ireland's Health and Safety Authority has posted a guidance document to help retail establishments prevent back injuries and strains that could result from manual handling of pallets, heavy boxes, and bulky consumer products at point of purchase, such as cases of bottled water.
The agency noted that some work at retail establishments may involve a significant amount of physical activity, which can be hazardous if it requires someone to handle very heavy loads or lift loads to an unsafe height.
The document illustrates eight case studies of typical work. It includes a worksheet for completing a hazard assessment and a checklist.