Manual handling risks for workers this festive season

Tis the season for tasty food, family get-togethers and gift shopping… but what about the workers who are making it all possible? For those working in haulage, distribution, shops and supermarkets, this time of year can also mean longer hours, heavier loads, and more frequent deliveries. It’s the unexpected gift that nobody wants this Christmas but these conditions increase the chances of musculoskeletal injuries. That’s why it’s totally vital that companies address manual handling risks for workers during this busy period.

The risks:

Handling bulky items like crates of food, boxes of toys or pallets of stock can strain the body. It’s especially risky for the back, shoulders and wrists. These risks are often heightened by:

• Increased workload: With higher demand, there’s a good chance that workers may be in a rush to get the job done, cutting corners on safe handling techniques.
• Awkward environments: Deliveries in tight spaces like crowded supermarket stockrooms, can force awkward postures.
• Heavy loads: Seasonal stock tends to be larger and heavier and it’s inevitable that this can lead to overexertion.
• Fatigue: Extended shifts and overtime mixed with a faster pace to meet shopper demand can result in poor judgement – that health and safety briefing can seem like a distant memory.

Why it happens:

The combo of heavier stock and time pressures often leads workers to lift too much in one go, use incorrect lifting techniques, or skip using trolleys and other aids. Sometimes a lack of proper manual handling training is also a factor.

Our tips for safer handling this festive season:

To reduce manual handling risks for workers this festive season, keep these practical tips in mind and share them with your staff:

• Break it down: Encourage workers to divide loads into smaller more manageable parts where possible.
• Use the tools: Make sure staff have got easy access to trolleys, sack trucks, or pallet jacks to minimise the strain.
• Training matters: Everyone should know the basics of safe lifting – keeping the back straight, bending at the knees and avoiding twisting motions.
• Plan ahead: It’s a good idea to position heavy or bulky items close to where they’ll be needed to minimise unnecessary lifting.
• Rest up: Rotating tasks across different staff and shifts as well as making sure people get plenty of breaks can help prevent fatigue-related injuries.

Addressing manual handling risks for workers is a win-win for everyone. Businesses can protect their teams from injuries and keep operations running smoothly during the busiest time of year. A little extra care now can go a long way in making this season safe and enjoyable for everyone.

If you want to make sure your team is well equipped for heavy lifting and carrying at work, why not take a look at our certified Manual Handling course: click here.
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