Manual Handling & Ergonomics

Back to all safety programs

Overview

Musculoskeletal injuries build up over time and cause major lost time.

Assess tasks, mechanise heavy loads, train technique and design ergonomically.

Risk factors to watch for

• Force — heavy loads or high pushing and pulling effort.
• Repetition — the same motion many times over a shift.
• Awkward posture — bending, twisting, reaching or overhead.
• Duration — long periods without recovery or position change.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Assess the load and task using TILE/LITE — Task, Individual, Load, Environment.
2. Eliminate the lift where possible, or use trolleys and hoists.
3. Plan a team lift for heavy or awkward loads, with one director.
4. Clear the route and placement area before lifting.
5. Feet apart, bend the knees not the back, get a firm grip.
6. Keep the load close and lift smoothly using the legs.
7. Move the feet to turn — never twist the spine.
8. Set down with controlled technique, then rotate tasks and take breaks.

Key controls

• Weight thresholds — reassess single-person lifts above about 23 kg.
• Mechanical aids and team lifting as the default for heavy items.
• Workstation and tool ergonomics, job rotation and micro-breaks.

Roles & responsibilities

Role	Responsibility
Supervisor	Plans tasks, provides aids, arranges team lifts.
Worker	Uses safe technique, asks for help, reports early aches.
HSE	Assesses handling risks, advises on ergonomics, trains staff.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Lifting with a bent back instead of bending the knees.
• Twisting the spine while carrying instead of moving the feet.
• Working through aches instead of using aids or asking for help.

Legal requirements (Thailand)

• Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Act B.E. 2554 (2011) — the governing workplace-safety law in Thailand.
• Manual handling and ergonomic working conditions fall under the employer's general duty of care under the Act.

Frequently asked questions