What are the main causes of occupational health hazard due to manual material handling?

Manual material handling (MMH) refers to the process of manually moving, lifting, carrying, or transporting objects or materials in the workplace. While MMH tasks are common across various industries and occupations, they can pose significant risks to workers' health and safety if not performed properly. Several factors contribute to occupational health hazards associated with manual material handling, including:

1. Heavy Lifting and Carrying: One of the primary causes of occupational health hazards related to manual material handling is the lifting and carrying of heavy objects. Excessive or improper lifting techniques can strain the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back, shoulders, and arms, leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as strains, sprains, and herniated discs. Workers who regularly lift and carry heavy loads without proper training, equipment, or assistance are at higher risk of sustaining injuries.

2. Awkward Postures: Performing manual material handling tasks in awkward or non-ergonomic postures can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Bending, twisting, reaching, and stooping while lifting or carrying objects can strain the spine, joints, and muscles, leading to acute or chronic pain, discomfort, and fatigue. Workers who repeatedly adopt awkward postures during MMH activities are more susceptible to MSDs, especially in the lower back, neck, and shoulders.

3. Repetitive Movements: Repetitive movements involved in manual material handling tasks, such as lifting, lowering, pushing, and pulling, can contribute to overuse injuries and cumulative trauma disorders. Repeating the same motions frequently and without adequate rest or recovery can cause microtrauma to the muscles, tendons, and nerves, resulting in conditions such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rotator cuff injuries. Workers engaged in repetitive MMH activities are at risk of developing chronic musculoskeletal pain and functional impairment.

4. Manual Handling of Awkward or Unstable Loads: Handling objects that are bulky, irregularly shaped, or unstable increases the risk of accidents and injuries during manual material handling. Awkward loads may shift, slip, or fall unexpectedly, causing workers to lose their balance, strain their muscles, or suffer crush injuries. Without proper training and techniques for securing, stabilizing, or manipulating awkward loads, workers are more vulnerable to accidents and mishaps.

5. Insufficient Training and Ergonomic Awareness: Lack of proper training and ergonomic awareness among workers and supervisors can contribute to occupational health hazards associated with manual material handling. Inadequate knowledge of safe lifting techniques, ergonomic principles, and risk factors for MSDs may result in workers adopting unsafe practices or ignoring warning signs of potential injuries. Without training on proper lifting techniques, load management, and ergonomics, workers may inadvertently increase their risk of injury during MMH tasks.

6. Poor Workstation Design and Layout: Inadequate workstation design and layout can exacerbate the risks of manual material handling injuries by creating obstacles, congestion, or inadequate space for maneuvering. Workstations that lack sufficient clearance, storage, or ergonomic support may force workers to perform MMH tasks in suboptimal conditions, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Improperly designed workstations can also contribute to fatigue, discomfort, and inefficiency, impacting workers' health and productivity.

Overall, occupational health hazards associated with manual material handling are multifactorial and can result from a combination of factors such as heavy lifting, awkward postures, repetitive movements, manual handling of awkward loads, insufficient training, and poor workstation design. By addressing these factors through ergonomic interventions, training programs, engineering controls, and administrative measures, employers can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and promote a safer work environment for their employees.