January 2019
Lifting technique training: Quick and easy, but is it effective?

Manual handling tasks — including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling — are associated with a significant number of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in workplaces across B.C. and around the world.

Lifting technique training continues to be used as a primary control measure for risks associated with manual handling in the workplace. But a number of studies have recognized that lifting technique training is not an effective control for reducing the risk of MSIs. An IOSH Magazine article, The train drain, describes how more recent studies continue to show that, although manual handling training is not effective by itself, multi-component programs can be valuable.

The hierarchy of controls is a useful tool for employers to reduce the risk of any hazards in your workplace. The hierarchy illustrates how the most effective means for reducing the risk of injury is through elimination, followed by substitution and engineering. Less effective controls include administrative controls (e.g., training) and personal protective equipment (PPE).



What might these control measures look like in the workplace?
  • Elimination of a manual handling task could involve automation or re-organization of the process to eliminate the need to perform the task at all.
  • Substitution could involve changing the product from 50-pound bags to 10-pound bags, which would reduce the magnitude of force required.
  • Engineering controls could involve using lifting equipment so the worker is no longer required to lift the load manually.
  • Administrative controls might include training workers on proper manual handling techniques.
  • PPE could involve providing workers with back belts.
Manual handling training isn't an effective control measure for reducing risk of MSIs if done on its own. However, training may be valuable if done in combination with control measures that are higher on the hierarchy of controls and as part of an integrated, multi-component safety program.

For more information, see this WorkCover Queensland article, Lifting technique training: Is it effective?
WorkSafeBC workshop: Human factors approach to safety and incident investigations

This one-day workshop will help incident investigators, managers, and other safety professionals understand and apply the human factors approach to their investigations and safety management systems. You'll learn tools and methods you can use to help ensure your investigations result in injury prevention. You'll also have the opportunity to discuss ways of implementing a proactive human factors approach to safety, and learn how to put strategies into action.

Workshops will be held on March 5 in Burnaby and June 5 in Richmond. Workshops have limited space, so register early to secure your spot.

For more information and to register Questions? Contact the Human Factors group at humanfactors@worksafebc.com.
February 28 is Repetitive Strain Injuries Awareness Day

Did you know repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are among the most common types of worker injuries? As part of International RSI Awareness Day, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) will be putting on a free webinar. Stay tuned to ohcow.on.ca for registration and agenda details.

For more information on MSIs and RSIs, take a look at the following WorkSafeBC resources: If you have additional questions, contact WorkSafeBC's ergonomists at AskAnErgo@worksafebc.com.
Other 2019 conferences and workshops

Apr 8–9; Vancouver: Western Conference on Safety
Apr 8–11; Banff: Banff Pipeline Workshop
Aug 12–15; St. John’s, Newfoundland: Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) annual conference
Sep 9–13; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: International Symposium on Shiftwork and Working Time
Sep 20–25; Vancouver: World Sleep Congress
Oct 28–Nov 1; Seattle: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) International Annual Meeting

WorkSafeBC, PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal, Vancouver BC V6B 5L5