Manual Lifting Safety Program

Chapter Section

Before manual lifting is performed, a hazard assessment must be completed. The assessment must consider size, bulk, and weight of the object(s), if mechanical lifting equipment is required, if two-man lift is required, whether vision is obscured while carrying and the walking surface and path where the object is to be carried.  The assessment shall also include:

• Use of the MSD Hazard Identification form contained within this procedure
• Physical Demands
  • Neck Back Shoulder Wrist
  • Hand
  • Knee Ankle/
  • Feet
• Force Required and Working Distance
  • Do employees push, pull, lift, lower, or carry objects that are too heavy or require too much force; away from the center of the body or in a jerky or twisting manner?
• Work Postures
  • Is the back is curved too much or in a stooped position?
  • Is the back is twisted during movements?
  • Is the neck bent or twisted?
  • Are the arms away from the body?
  • Are the wrists flexed, extended or pinched positions?
• Repetitive Use of Similar Muscles
  • Do employees perform movements over and over in the same way
• Static Muscle Use and Duration
  • Do employees hold any of the above work postures for > 20 sec.?
  • Stand for long periods with their knees locked?
  • Stand in one position without moving or stretching?
• Contact Stress
  • Do employees put localized pressure on any part of their body?

• Work Space Layout and Conditions
  • Are there working heights, reaches in workspace, equipment, tool design, storage conditions, etc., that cause or contribute to employees experiencing any of the physical demands risk factors?
  • Also consider seating, floor surfaces, the characteristics of objects handled, including size and shape, load condition and weight distribution, and container as well as tool and equipment handles.
• Organization of Work
  • Are there work processes, monotonous job tasks, work recovery cycles, task variability, work rate, machine paced tasks or peak activity demands that cause or contribute to rushing, frustration, fatigue or other visible signs of stress?
• Environmental Conditions
  • Are employees exposed to poor lighting, vibration, cold or hot air/wind/water?