For many people Manual Handling is just considered to be something we need for work. In actual fact much of the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling we do in a day is done at home.

From something simple like loading the dishwasher to hanging out clothes on the line, or working in the garden we are using our backs, and maybe not always thinking about how the activity is affecting it.

At work our employers have a duty to take care of the employee and this includes carrying out Risk Assessment of the Manual Handling Activities involved in a task. We use this Risk Assessment to ensure that we can carry out the task safely and with as little risk as possible of damage to ourselves. However, we may not think that the activities in our home are as likely to cause us injury.

Activities like gardening, filling and emptying the washing machine, hanging out clothes, moving furniture, carrying children and taking in shopping all involve use of the back and if we’re not aware of the potential for damage to the back, particularly to the disks we can cause ourselves a permanent injury.

What causes the injury?
When it comes to back injury there are a few ways in which the mechanism of an injury can happen but the most common causes are stooping, twisting, bending from the back and working in a stooped position. This puts uneven pressure on the spinal disks which sit between each of the vertebrae on the spine. The outer part of these disks are made of cartilage which can become damaged as a result of these activities. Where an injury becomes very severe the cartilage ruptures and allows the centre of the disk, which is a liquid substance, to leak out of the disk and onto the nerves in the immediate area. This causes intense pain and discomfort to the injured person.

Will the injury heal over time?
The damaged cartilage will not heal by itself so the only solution for a person in this situation is a medical one. Cartilage does not heal due to it’s poor blood supply so the disks will not heal. The injured person should attend their physician who can recommend physiotherapy and in some extreme cases may even recommend surgery.

How can I avoid back injury?
The potential for back injury can be reduced by practicing correct lifting practices in the home. Ensure you have clear and easy access to what ever it is you are attempting to lift. Check the weight of the item before trying to lift it, note things like the centre of gravity. Make sure you have a stable foothold and the floor area where you are is clear. Keep your feet approximately shoulder distance apart, bend your knees, bring the load close to you and stand up in a controlled smooth manner. When carrying a load ensure you carry it close to your body where possible and always turn your feet in the direction of movement.

Remember a back injury can stay with you for life. They can be severe and may result in a person not being able to return to active employment so take care of your back, you only get one!!