Manual handling of loads (MHL) is any of the following activities carried out by one or more workers: lifting, holding, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving of a load. The load can be animate (a person or animal) or inanimate (an object). Though decreasing lately, the rate of workers in the EU-25 that report carrying or moving heavy loads, is still high (34.5 %), reaching 38.0 % in the EU-10.
Factsheet 73 - Hazards and risks associated with manual handling of loads in the workplace
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Factsheet 73 - Hazards and risks associated with manual handling of loads in the workplace
Factsheet 73 - Hazards and risks associated with manual handling of loads in the workplace
Description
Manual handling of loads (MHL) is any of the following activities carried out by one or more workers: lifting, holding, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving of a load. The load can be animate (a person or animal) or inanimate (an object). Though decreasing lately, the rate of workers in the EU-25 that report carrying or moving heavy loads, is still high (34.5 %), reaching 38.0 % in the EU-10.
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Other data
Sector / Indrustry covered
Not sector specific
Hazards
Manual handling of loads
Health effects
Back pain or injury
Upper limb disorders
Lower limb disorders
Neck and shoulder disorders
Worker groups covered (vulnerable groups etc.)
All (no specific group)
Prevention measures
Elimination of hazards
Improving individual working techniques (e.g manual handling postures)
Simple tips and measures
Worker participation
Technical measures e.g. ergonomic equipment
Reducing/minimising the risk by organisational measures, e.g. reducing the number of workers exposed, job rotation
Purpose of the material
Warning message/Alert
General information
Awareness raising
Target audience
Employers
Managers
Worker representatives
Safety officers
Workers
Priority area
Prevention
Year
2007