Manual Material Handling - Health and Safety

Manual material handling (MMH) refers to the moving of things by,

lifting
lowering
pushing
pulling
carrying
holding
restraining

MMH and other duties requiring greater physical exertion are common causes of fatigue and risk of MSDs. The risk these tasks pose increases when they are performed repetitively or for long durations, require or inflict high forces on the worker, or are done with static or awkward postures. Some examples of factors that can exacerbate these risks may include pace of work, environmental conditions, poor lifting techniques, material load, grip requirements, and combining tasks (lift, carry, lower).

MMH tasks can pose risk to all workers, whether MMH is required daily or even occasionally. Consider a worker that typically works at a desk, and only once a semester must lift and carry objects to set up for a seasonal event - this worker could be less used to these movements or be inexperienced in safely performing these tasks. Meanwhile, a worker that lifts and carries objects everyday may not recovery sufficiently or "overdo it", resulting in injury.

Trent University's Manual Material Handling Checklist aims to help workers and supervisors identify MMH tasks, postures, and other potential risk factors. Once potential risk factors are identified, consider the included likelihood/impact matrix to determine controls that should be implemented.

Controls aim to reduce worker exposure to the risk factors, using the hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, and PPE). Examples of controls for MMH tasks can include,

All MMH tasks	Reduce load (divide weight into multiple loads) Task rotation Work at a slower pace, increase breaks to rest and recover Include multiple workers to accomplish task Plan and schedule ahead to ensure work isn't rushed Store items at heights and locations that decrease the distance of required movement Don appropriate footwear for the task Warm up ahead of MMH tasks
Lifting and Lowering	Utilize proper lifting techniques Use assistive lifting devices such as pump trucks, cranes, dolleys Face tasks directly on, avoid twisting or reaching Perform assisted lifts with coworkers Think "BACK": Back straight, Avoid twisting, Close to body, Keep smooth A cautionary note about back braces/belts: Lifting belts or braces can create a false sense of security, are an indication a worker is lifting above their manageable abilities, and may introduce secondary hazards (e.g., risk of cardiac episode). They are not to be used at Trent University. More effective controls and task redesign should be considered.
Carrying	Use a cart or dolley, or vehicle if moving items between buildings Use elevators instead of stairs where possible Keep loads close to the body and between knuckle and chest height Use both hands where possible. If tasks are one-handed (e.g., carrying a bag), alternate arms and sides of the body evenly Utilize handles otherwise aim to improve grip (e.g., gloves can improve grip and protect hands from heavy/sharp loads)
Pushing and Pulling	Pushing is preferable to pulling when possible, as larger/stronger muscle groups are utilized Stagger the legs to generate force versus using the arms or back Keep wheeled devices in good condition (swiveled wheels, lubricated and cleaned)

Additional Resources:

CCOHS Manual Materials Handling Fact Sheets

Safe Lifting Techniques

Shovelling

Shovelling - Snow

Warming Up Poster

Last Revised: April 15, 2025