What is 5S?

5S is a system for organizing spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively, and safely. This system focuses on putting everything where it belongs and keeping the workplace clean, which makes it easier for people to do their jobs without wasting time or risking injury.

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Risks associated with lifting operations

[caption id="attachment_572" align="aligncenter" width="267"] Risks associated with lifting operations[/caption]

What makes manual lifting hazardous?

There are several risk factors that may increase the occurrence of injury from manual lifting . These factors are related to the different characteristics of the load, the task and organization of the work, the work environment and the worker

The load, which may be:

• too heavy - There is no exact weight limit that is safe. A weight of 25 kg is heavy to lift for most people, especially if the load is handled several times in an hour


• too large - if the load is large, it is not possible to follow the basic rules for lifting and carrying — to keep the load as close to the body as possible; thus, the muscles will get tired more rapidly; moreover, the shape or size may obscures the worker’s view, thus increasing the risk of slipping, tripping or falling


• unbalanced or unstable objects or if the contents can move make it difficult to hold the center of gravity of the load close to the middle of body; this leads to uneven loading of muscles and fatigue; moreover, liquid causes uneven loading of the muscles and sudden movements of the load can make the worker lose their balance and fall


• difficult to grasp: this can result in the object slipping and causing an accident; loads with sharp edges or with dangerous materials can injure workers. Gloves usually make the grasping more difficult than with bare hands. Providing the objects with handles or using aids for gripping (e.g. when carrying plate material) reduces the load on the worker.

The task and organization of the work, if it requires:

• awkward postures or movements, e.g. a bent and/or twisted trunk, raised arms, bent wrists, over-reaching


• a high frequency or repetition with insufficient recovery periods;


• a high rate of work, which cannot be influenced by the worker


• unstable loads or loads handled with the body in an unstable posture.

The work environment, if it has:

• insufficient room, in particular vertically, to carry out the activity; this may lead to awkward postures


• uneven floors, thus presenting tripping hazards, is unstable or is slippery in relation to the worker's footwear


• bad position of the load or work place design, causing reaching with the arms, bending or twisting the trunk and elevated arms yield high muscular force


• variations floor levels or in working surface, requiring the load to be manipulated on different levels


• unsuitable temperature, humidity or ventilation, making workers feel tired; sweat makes it hard to hold tools, meaning that more force must be used; cold can make hands numb, making it hard to grip


• insufficient lighting, increasing the risk of accidents, or force workers into awkward positions to see clearly what they are doing.

Individual characteristics, such as:

• lack of experience, training and familiarity with the job


• age: the risk of low back disorders increases with age and with the number of years at work


• physical dimensions and capacity such as height, weight and strength


• prior history of musculoskeletal disorders, in particular back disorders.

Moreover, manual handling of heavy loads can cause injuries if the load suddenly hits the worker or causes slipping or falling. Handling of smaller loads for a long time without rest can result in fatigue. For a tired person loads can become too heavy after hours of handling, resulting in faulty movements, and the risk of injuries and disorders will increase.

lifting operations

[caption id="attachment_567" align="aligncenter" width="266"] Safe handling of tools[/caption]

Safe handling of tools

Safe handling of tools

Workers should be trained on safe procedures for working with tools. However, safe practices when carrying or storing those tools may not be thoroughly covered. Tools can pose a safety risk when they are misplaced or improperly handled by workers. The National Safety Council offers the following tips for safe handling of tools when they are not in use:

• Workers should never carry tools up or down a ladder in a way that inhibits grip. Ideally, tools should be hoisted up and down using a bucket or strong bag, rather than being carried by the worker.


• Tools should always be carefully handed from one employee to another – never tossed. Pointed tools should be passed either in their carrier or with the handles toward the receiver.


• Workers carrying large tools or equipment on their shoulders should pay close attention to clearances when turning and maneuvering around the workplace.


• Pointed tools such as chisels and screwdrivers should never be carried in a worker’s pocket. Accept­able ways to carry them include in a toolbox, pointed down in a tool belt or pocket tool pouch, or in the hand with the tip always held away from the body.


• Tools should always be put away when not in use. Leaving tools lying around on an elevated structure such as a scaffold poses a significant risk to workers below. This risk increases in areas with heavy vibration.