Overview
Aim
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with a fundamental awareness of ways in which to handle and move goods by hand in a safe and controlled way where the correct use of techniques will help to avoid risks and injury.
Unit Learning Outcomes
1
Know about moving and handling goods manually.
- Importance
Prevent injury or harm; prevent damage to goods; prevent accidents; reduce absence through sickness; reduce negative impact on production; avoid unnecessary costs (use of agency staff, compensation payments). - Safe techniques
Lifting; pushing; pulling; carrying; holding; throwing.
Assessment Criteria
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1.1
Explain why it is important to use safe techniques to move and handle goods.
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1.2
Outline key safe techniques used to move and handle goods.
2
Know about the hazards and risks associated with moving and handling goods manually.
- Hazards
Repeatedly or consistently moving or handling goods which presents a danger to others or property or presents a risk which could cause harm or injury.
Four factors which make manual handling hazardous – the load, the task, the environment and the individual. - Risk
Any situation which exposes someone to danger, harm or loss.
Repetitive tasks; poor working conditions; long working hours; poor job design; poor handling techniques; working when sick or injured. - Negative health effects
Minor (short term) – cuts; bruises, sprains; damage to muscles and tendons; anxiety.
Major (long term) – back injury; fractures and breaks; nerve damage; stress; disablement.
Assessment Criteria
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2.1
Outline the key hazards associated with moving and handling goods manually.
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2.2
Outline common risks associated with moving and handling goods manually.
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2.3
Outline the possible negative health effects of moving and handling goods manually.
3
Know how to prevent injuries from moving and handling goods manually.
- Preventing injuries
- Employees
Know own abilities and limitations; use correct protective equipment; use correct techniques; seek assistance if required; keep healthy, fit and strong; comply with relevant organisational policies and procedures.
- Employers
Conduct risk assessments; take precautions to prevent damage, harm or loss; monitor risks; provide suitable training; provide suitable protective equipment; redesign tasks; supervise manual handling activities. - Risk assessment
The process and methods used to identify hazards and risks so they can be eliminated, or the damage and harm caused by the risks can be guarded against.
Risk assessments protect workers and employers by identifying hazards, identifying who could be harmed, record findings, evaluate the risks, implement control measures, review and update as required.
Assessment Criteria
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3.1
Outline ways in which employers and employees can each help prevent injuries from moving and handling goods manually.
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3.2
Give examples of how a risk assessment could help to prevent injuries from moving and handling goods manually.
4
Know how to manually move and handle goods safely and effectively.
- Preparing to handle or move goods
Step 1 – assess the risks in the area of work
Step 2 – ensure the working area and/or route is clear of risks and hazards
Step 3 – understand the characteristics of the good (e.g. size, weight, content)
Step 4 – select, obtain and use correct protective equipment
Step 5 – select the most appropriate and safest technique to use
Step 6 – seek assistance if required - Handling and moving goods
Refer to other learning outcomes. Learners are to consolidate their prior learning for this assessment criteria.
Assessment Criteria
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4.1
Show how to prepare for manually moving and handling goods.
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4.2
Show how to move goods safely and effectively.
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4.3
Show how to handle goods safely and effectively.