Introduction
Manual material handling operations are carried out in most workplaces. Each handling task poses
unique demands on the worker. However, workplaces can help workers to perform these tasks safely and
easily by implementing and upholding proper policies and procedures.
Legislation
Regulations respecting Industrial Establishments (O. Reg. 851/90), made under the Occupational Health
and Safety Act. The section that deals with material handling is as follows:
Section 45: Material, articles or things,
a) required to be lifted, carried or moved, shall be lifted, carried or moved in such a way and with such
precautions and safeguards, including protective clothing, guards or other precautions as will ensure
that the lifting, carrying or moving of the material, articles or things does not endanger the safety of
any worker
b) shall be transported, placed or stored so that the material, articles or things:
(i) will not tip, collapse or fall
(ii) can be removed or withdrawn without endangering the safety of any worker
c) to be removed from a storage area, pile or rack, shall be removed in a manner that will not endanger
the safety of any worker
Note: Sections 46-66 also refer to Material Handling
Hazards
To assess the hazards of manual material handling operations, consider the load, the task, the
environment in which the task is performed, and the operator. When these factors interact with each
other, they can create hazards that result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING
WSPS.CA
