workplace layout floors and temperature
When considering the layout of the working conditions, employers need to ask a few simple questions.
- Are there any obstructions? If there are, can they be moved? How often is the route where the obstructions are located actually used?
- Are there any temporary obstructions such as the pump truck shown here? Does it absolutely have to be there?
- Can the workplace be reorganised to improve things?
- Is the lighting good enough so that the persons doing the manual handling task can actually see well without having to think about it.
The floor conditions should be examined as slips and trips are often the cause of manual handling related injuries. These checks should include checking if the floors are slippery, uneven or unstable?
Are there any other hazards such as oil, ice, steps or spillage?
Temperature can play a big part when manual handling is being considered. It's quite obvious that very hot loads can cause injury and very cold loads can cause a person's grip to be relaxed.
Other factors include perspiration on the handler's hands and the effects on the body generally when extreme temperatures are involved.