{"id":10322,"date":"2016-12-05T09:27:19","date_gmt":"2016-12-05T09:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=10322"},"modified":"2024-08-16T12:53:16","modified_gmt":"2024-08-16T11:53:16","slug":"poor-manual-handling-consequences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/poor-manual-handling-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the Consequences of Poor Manual Handling?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Activities that involve lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and other related manoeuvres are often inevitable at work. Machines can only do so much; sometimes we just have to utilise our own strength.<\/p>\n

However, if not done properly, manual handling can lead to the gradual deterioration of both physical and mental health. Receiving training in proper manual handling techniques is essential. Our bodies have amazing capabilities, but also great limitations. Like machines, they\u2019re going to develop faults and break down after long-term misuse. And when we\u2019re worn down physically, we tend to get worn down mentally too.<\/p>\n

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Consequences of Poor Manual Handling<\/h2>\n

Consequences can be split into three main areas: short term and superficial injuries, long term injuries and mental health issues.<\/p>\n

1. Short-term and\/or superficial injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n

For example: cuts, bruises, sprains, tears, small fractures, muscle strain, etc. Usually caused by sudden and small unexpected accidents, e.g. losing grip and dropping a load, lifting an excessively heavy load at an awkward angle, or falling while carrying a load.<\/p>\n

\"back<\/p>\n

2. Long-term injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n

This mainly involves damage to the musculoskeletal system of the body, including muscles, tendons, bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels \u2013 usually caused by long-term, gradual wear-and-tear as a result of repetitive strenuous activities. These are known as musculoskeletal disorders<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

3. Mental health issues<\/strong><\/p>\n

For example: long-term stress, anxiety, and depression. This is usually a negative side effect of dealing with long-term injuries that have disabling and difficult-to-manage symptoms.<\/p>\n

Physical ailments are more readily recognised than mental health issues related to poor manual handling, but we must not overlook the fact that long-term injuries can have a serious knock-on effect<\/strong>: they can lead to poor mental health due to the stress and anxiety triggered by long-term physical issues.<\/p>\n

\"depressed\"<\/p>\n

This is why knowing how to prevent the development of both physical and mental ailments caused by bad manual handling practices is essential.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at two of the more major negative consequences \u2013 musculoskeletal disorders and depression \u2013 in more detail.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Musculoskeletal Disorders<\/h2>\n

You have likely experienced or know someone who has experienced problems in the neck, upper\/lower limbs, or upper\/lower back<\/strong>, and so have first-hand knowledge of how debilitating they can be. Long-term disorders and injuries in these areas are defined as musculoskeletal disorders.<\/p>\n

\"neck<\/p>\n

The majority of work-related musculoskeletal disorders are caused by poor manual handling practices, particularly tasks that involve:<\/strong><\/p>\n