Manual Handling Terms and Glossary
A comprehensive glossary of Manual Handling terminology used in Irish workplaces. Learn the language of safe handling, risk assessment, and workplace ergonomics.
Manual Handling Definitions
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Biomechanics
The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms. In manual handling, biomechanics helps us understand how forces affect the body during lifting and handling tasks.
Base of Support
The area beneath a person that includes every point of contact with the supporting surface. A wider base of support (feet shoulder-width apart) provides greater stability during lifting.
Centre of Gravity
The point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated. Keeping your centre of gravity low and over your base of support improves stability when lifting.
Cumulative Trauma
Injury that develops gradually over time due to repeated small stresses rather than a single incident. Many manual handling injuries are cumulative rather than acute.
Ergonomics
The science of designing and arranging things so people can use them efficiently and safely. Ergonomic workstation design reduces manual handling risks.
Environment
In the TILE assessment, the E stands for Environment - the physical conditions where manual handling takes place, including space, flooring, lighting, and temperature.
HSA
Health and Safety Authority - the national body in Ireland with responsibility for securing health and safety at work. The HSA enforces health and safety legislation and provides guidance on manual handling.
Hazard
Something with the potential to cause harm. In manual handling, hazards include heavy loads, awkward postures, repetitive movements, and poor environmental conditions.
Load
In the TILE assessment, the L stands for Load - the object being handled. Assessment considers the load's weight, size, shape, stability, grip points, and contents.
Lumbar Region
The lower back region of the spine, consisting of the five lumbar vertebrae. This area is most vulnerable to manual handling injuries.
Lordosis
The inward curve of the lumbar spine. Maintaining the natural lordotic curve during lifting helps protect the spine from injury.
Manual Handling
Any transporting or supporting of a load by one or more employees. This includes lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding, or restraining objects or people.
MSD
Musculoskeletal Disorder - injuries and disorders affecting muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Manual handling is a leading cause of MSDs.
Mechanical Advantage
Using the body's natural levers and fulcrums efficiently to reduce effort. Proper technique maximises mechanical advantage when lifting.
Posture
The position and alignment of the body. Good posture during manual handling means maintaining the natural curves of the spine and avoiding awkward positions.
Power Zone
The area between mid-thigh and mid-chest height where lifting is safest and most efficient. Loads should be kept in this zone when possible.
Risk Assessment
The process of identifying hazards, evaluating the risk of harm, and determining appropriate control measures. Employers must conduct risk assessments for manual handling tasks.
Repetitive Strain
Injury caused by repeated movements that stress the same muscles, tendons, or joints. Repetitive manual handling without adequate rest can cause cumulative damage.
Spinal Disc
The cushion-like pads between vertebrae that act as shock absorbers. Improper lifting technique can damage or rupture spinal discs.
Safe System of Work
A procedure that results from systematic examination of a task to identify all hazards and defines safe methods to ensure hazards are eliminated or risks minimised.
TILE
A risk assessment framework for manual handling: Task - Individual - Load - Environment. Assessing these four factors helps identify and control manual handling risks.
Task
In the TILE assessment, the T stands for Task - the activity being performed. Assessment considers movements required, distances, frequency, and duration.
Team Lifting
Two or more people working together to move a load that is too heavy or awkward for one person. Requires coordination and clear communication.
Warm-up
Preparatory activities that increase blood flow to muscles and improve flexibility before physical work. Warming up reduces injury risk during manual handling.
Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD)
A range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck. Also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI).
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