Manual handling

Manual handling is any activity that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving, holding or restraining. It also includes sustained and awkward postures, or repetitive motions. 

Manual handling incidents are one of the most common cause of workplace injuries. 

Council provides training in manual handling to Volunteer Safety Officers.  Volunteer Safety Officers then induct and train volunteers at their particular facility and ensure that procedures and guidelines are followed.  Council officers regularly perform monitoring and checks of adherence to these processes. 

Insurance coverage:

Council has insurance that covers personal injury to volunteers whilst carrying out activities at a facility on behalf of Council. 

SPLAT principles 

When conducting manual tasks the following SPLAT principles must be applied for your safety. 

Stance 

  • Use a wide base support
  • Position your feet to allow weight transference
  • Align your body to transfer forces
  • Brace to increase support 

Posture 

  • No longer use ‘Bend your knees and keep your back straight’ instead ‘Maintain the natural curve of your spine’
  • Keep your feet wider than your shoulders
  • Head and chest up as much as possible
  • Brace, brace, brace! 

Leverage 

  • Get as close as possible to the object
  • Keep the load close
  • Brace to increase support 

Adapt 

  • Plan the task
  • Look at the size/shape/weight of the object
  • Do you need help?
  • Timing (team lift/speed etc)
  • Duration – how long will this take?
  • Your physical capacity
  • Is there another option? 

Turn 

  • Twist through your hips while moving your feet
  • Align feet in the direction of movement
  • Keep your shoulders and feet pointing in the same direction
  • Consider surface conditions 

SPLAT golden rules 

  • Stance - Feet wider than shoulders and flat on the ground
  • Posture – Keep your head and chest up and bottom out, keeping natural curves of the spine
  • Leverage – Keep the load close to your body and centre of gravity
  • Adapt – Modify and brace your body position to suit the task
  • Turn – by moving your feet. Avoid twisting your torso
  • Remember even light and easy tasks can result in injury 

Page Last Updated: 30 Jan 2015

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