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Manual materials handling (MMH) means moving or handling things by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding or restraining. Manual materials handling is also the most common cause of occupational fatigue, low back pain and lower back injuries.

What makes manual materials handling hazardous?

MMH is always hazardous but the level of hazard depends on what you are handling, what the task is, and what the conditions are at the workplace or work site.

For example, the material or load that you are handling may be:

• Too heavy for the task that you are doing.
• Located too high or low for a safe lift.
• Too big or may have a shape that makes it hard to handle.
• Wet, slippery, or have sharp edges that makes it hard to grasp.
• Unstable or can shift its center of gravity because it contains material that can flow (e.g., water, sand, a partially filled drum, or concrete in a wheelbarrow, or many objects within a container that are unbalanced or can shift).
• Too big to let you see where you are putting your feet.

The task can make MMH hazardous if a worker:

• Uses poor lifting techniques (lifting too fast, too often or too long; lifting with back bent or while twisting or reaching too far; lifting while sitting or kneeling, etc.).
• Lifts or handles more than they can control safely.
• Does not take appropriate rest breaks; insufficient recovery time.
• Has a combination of handling tasks (e.g. lifting, carrying and lowering).
• Wears clothing that restricts movement or reduces grip strength.

The conditions where you are working can also contribute to hazards of MMH and result in injuries, for example:

• Walking surfaces that are uneven, sloping, wet, icy, slippery, unsteady, etc.
• Differences in floor levels or walking surfaces.
• Poor housekeeping that causes slip, trip and fall hazards.
• Inadequate lighting.
• Cold or very hot and humid working conditions.
• Strong wind or gusty conditions.
• Working at high pace.
• Movement is restricted because of clothing or personal protective equipment.
• Space is small or posture is constrained or both.

For more detailed information on a particular manual materials handling (MMH) topic, click on the document title below:

• MMH – Compact Bags
• MMH – Compact Loads
• MMH – Drums and Barrels
• MMH – General Practice
• MMH – Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids – I
• MMH – Handholds on Load and Gripping Aids – II
• MMH – Health Hazards
• MMH – Hoisting and moving Heavy Objects
• MMH – Introduction
• MMH – Large and Heavy Sacks
• MMH – Layouts for Storing
• MMH – Materials Flow
• MMH – Mechanical Aids for Transporting Materials – I
• MMH – Mechanical Aids for Transporting Materials – II
• MMH – Mechanical Aids: Levers and Rollers
• MMH – Sheet Materials
• MMH – Tall Cylinders
• MMH – Team Handling
• MMH – Work Space Layout

Source: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/mmh

To prevent or reduce stiffness and pain from sitting all day, try simple desk stretches.

The problem: Prolonged sitting

If you work at a desk or computer for long stretches of time, you might place excessive stress on certain muscles. As a result, you’re likely to get stiff and sore — unless you take frequent breaks for physical activity.

The solution: Fitness breaks

Breaking up your workday with stretches and other physical activities can help keep you comfortable while you work. You can stretch while you’re seated at your desk or standing in your workspace. You might even be able to stretch while you’re participating in a conference call or other workplace activities. You don’t need special equipment to stretch, and you won’t break a sweat — yet the results can be powerful.

Try a few of the stretches below, which can be done right from the comfort of your work area (watch the videos by Mayo Clinic Staff to understand proper form and technique):

• Neck stretches: Video [1:27]
  Bring your chin to your chest and hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Then rotate your head left and then right, holding 15 to 30 seconds on each side. Finally, tilt your head to the side, leaning your ear toward your shoulder. Again, hold for 15 to 30 seconds on each side.

• Forearm stretches: Video [1:38]
  Lift one of your arms and hold it comfortably in front of you, palm facing down. Bend your hand downward, and gently pull it toward you using your other hand. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. Then lift one of your arms and hold it comfortably in front of you, palm facing up. Bend your hand downward, and gently pull it toward you using your other hand. Again, hold for 15 to 30 seconds on each side.

• Upper body stretches: Video [1:22]
  To stretch the back of your shoulders, place one hand under your elbow. Lift your elbow and stretch it across your chest. Don’t rotate your body as you stretch. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. You’ll feel tension in the back of your shoulder. Relax and return to the starting position and repeat the stretch with the other arm.
  • To stretch the backs of your arms, lift one arm and bend it behind your head. Place your other hand on your bent elbow to help stretch your upper arm and shoulder. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Relax and return to the starting position and repeat the stretch with your other arm.
  • To stretch the muscles of your chest, squeeze your shoulder blades together. To get a better stretch, place your hands behind your head and pull your bent arms backward. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Relax and return to the starting position.

• Seated stretches: Video [1:19]
  While seated, bring one of your knees toward your chest. Use your hands to grab the back of your thigh, and gently pull it toward you. Keep your back straight, being careful not to lean forward. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Relax and return to the starting position, and repeat the stretch with your other leg.

• Standing stretches: Video [1:15]
  While standing, put a hand on your desk or chair to stabilize yourself. Bend one leg, grab your ankle and pull it toward your buttock. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Then, stand with feet hip width apart and arms crossed across your chest. Twist to the left, then the right. Hold for 30 seconds on each side.

“Just a small amount of movement throughout the day can really help you stay alert and focused.” Beau Johnson is a physical therapist in Holmen, Wisconsin.

Want more stretching examples? Check this out.

15 Simple and Quick Office Stretches to Boost Work Efficiency

Example number 4, is a natural stretch that we all do when we’re feeling a bit stiff and tired. Simply raise your arms above your head, interlock your fingers and push away from yourself.

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-stretches/art-20046041; https://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/15-simple-and-quick-office-stretches-boost-work-efficiency.html

Always choose the cleaner, sanitizer or disinfectant product with the least hazardous ingredients that will accomplish the task at hand. Read the label to understand how to properly use the product, and follow any safety and precautionary statements provided on the label.

Workplaces use cleaning chemicals to ensure the cleanliness of their buildings. Workers who handle these products include building maintenance workers, janitors and housekeepers. Some cleaning chemicals can be hazardous, causing problems ranging from skin rashes and burns to coughing and asthma.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants as follows:

Cleaners remove dirt through wiping, scrubbing or mopping.

Sanitizers contain chemicals that reduce, but do not necessarily eliminate, microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and molds from surfaces. Public health codes may require cleaning with the use of sanitizers in certain areas, like toilets and food preparation areas.

Disinfectants contain chemicals that destroy or inactivate microorganisms that cause infections. Disinfectants are critical for infection control in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

Cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants serve different purposes, and it is important to choose the least hazardous cleaning chemical that will accomplish the task at hand. Before purchasing cleaning products, determine whether or not sanitizing or disinfecting is necessary. If sanitizing or disinfecting is not required, then choose a cleaner. In general, disinfectants and sanitizers are more hazardous than cleaners.

If sanitizing or disinfecting is necessary, be sure that the product purchased is effective for the microorganisms being targeted. EPA regulates sanitizers and disinfectants (termed “antimicrobial pesticides”). For further information, see EPA’s webpage “What Are Antimicrobial Pesticides?” (www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/what-are-antimicrobial-pesticides ).

 Potential Health Problems Caused by Cleaning Chemicals

Many factors influence whether a cleaning chemical will cause health problems. Some important factors to consider include:

• Chemical ingredients of the cleaning product;
• How the cleaning product is being used or stored;
• Ventilation in the area where the cleaning product is used;
• Whether there are splashes and spills;
• Whether the cleaning product comes in contact with the skin; and
• Whether mists, vapors and/or gases are released.

Chemicals in some cleaning products can be irritating to the skin or can cause rashes. Cleaning products that contain corrosive chemicals can cause severe burns if splashed on the skin or in the eyes (e.g.; drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, acid-based cleaners).

Mists, vapors and/or gases from cleaning chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms may include burning eyes, sore throat, coughing, trouble breathing and wheezing. Mixing cleaning products that contain bleach and ammonia can cause severe lung damage or death.

Safe Work Practices When Using Cleaning Chemicals

• Never mix cleaning products that contain bleach and ammonia;
• If cleaning chemicals must be diluted, follow instructions on how to correctly dilute the cleaners;
• Follow label directions on the use, storage and emergency spill procedures;
• Use the proper protective equipment needed, such as gloves and goggles;
• Ensure that all containers of cleaning products and chemicals are labeled to identify their contents and hazards (e.g.; when transferring the product into another container or spray bottle);
• Make sure there are operating ventilation systems as needed during cleaning tasks to allow sufficient air flow and prevent buildup of hazardous vapors; and
• Always wash up with soap and water after using cleaning chemicals.

Criteria for Safer Chemical Ingredients – https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice.

Each chemical ingredient in a formulation has a function in making a product work – whether it is to aid in cleaning by reducing surface tension (surfactants), dissolve or suspend materials (solvents), or reduce water hardness (chelating agents). The Safer Choice Program evaluates each ingredient in a formulation against the following Master and Functional-Class Criteria documents, as appropriate. These documents define the characteristics and toxicity thresholds for ingredients that are acceptable in Safer Choice products.

• Master criteria
• Functional-class criteria
  • Chelating and sequestering agents
  • Colorants, polymers, preservatives, and related chemicals
  • Defoamers
  • Enzymes and enzyme stabilizers
  • Fragrances
  • Oxidants and oxidant stabilizers
  • Processing aids and additives
  • Solvents
  • Surfactants

Sources: OSHA/NIOSH INFOSHEET: Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals; Safer Choice Standard and Criteria, https://www.epa.gov/safechoice/standard.