Manual Handling – Identifying Workplace Hazards EASA Part 145 Stores

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Reviewing Manual Workplace Hazards, Considering Challenges and Best Practices.

Introduction – Identifying Workplace Hazards

The workplace presents multiple challenges and hazards which can increase the risk of a personal injury occurring.

A detailed process, including requirements for identifying hazardous manual handling and implementing risk controls, should be documented and available to the stores and stores inspection staff.

Special Note: Manual handling - The back is particularly vulnerable to manual handling injuries. (Always take care to protect your Back) Wherever possible take steps to control risk factors (Including Personal Controls) in the workplace.

Workplace hazards may be identified in a number of ways:

o Perform a “Walk Through” it is necessary to imagine potential hazards and how they could impact the workers.
o Periodically repeat the exercise to look for new hazards.
o For any potential hazards found discuss the various risk factors with the team to assess the potential likelihood and severity.
o Where possible review previous records for incidents & accidents to see if any insight can be gained regarding potential exposure.

Consider the Typical Risk Factors:

o Type of work – when working in a fixed posture for a prolonged period of time.
o Cramped or poorly designed workspace can oblige people to assume awkward postures, including bending or twisting.
o Excessive weight of an object – a heavy load may be difficult to lift and carry.
o High or required to reach to handle the object.
o Heavy objects that have to be lifted awkwardly, including above shoulder height.
o Lifting from below knee level.
o Duration and frequency – more activity leads to more.
o More effort is required to handle poorly designed equipment.

Reducing or Eliminating Manual Handling Risks

Consider the following as possible mitigations:

o Are We Providing Adequate Training?
o Can we do the task in a different way or avoid risk?
o Can we change the packaging (to reduce the weight) means split packages?  
o Introduce Workplace Ergonomics to make sure work surfaces are at optimum heights to limit bending or reaching.
o Is it viable to change the environmental conditions / Heat / Cold / Noise / Vibration?
o What mechanical aids are available (lifting supports etc.).
o Can we change the nature of the work? With more breaks for example.

Next Steps

Sofema Online www.sofemaonline.com offers multiple courses to support the Stores and Material Inspection Process including the following Diploma Program containing 14 courses: EASA Stores Logistics & Inspection Learning Path Diploma

If you want to learn more about our services, please email us at team@sassofia.com