Manual Handling of Loads. Cable laying
3. Risk factors
- Due to the characteristics of the load.
- Due to the physical effort needed.
- Due to the characteristics of the work medium.
- Due to demands of the activity.
- Due to personal risk factors.
3.1. Due to the characteristics of the load
- Too heavy or too big.
- Voluminous or difficult to grasp.
- Unstable balance.
- When it must be held or handled away from the trunk or when involving torsion or bending of the trunk.
- When, due to its outside appearance or due to its consistency, it can cause injuries, in particular, in the case of being hit by it.
3.2. Due to the physical effort needed
- Too considerable.
- When this has to carried out with movements involving torsion or bending of the trunk.
- When it can result in brusque movement of the load.
- When the body is in an unstable position.
- When it is necessary to modify one’s grip when lifting or lowering.
3.3. Due to the characteristics of the work medium
- When there is not enough free space.
- When the floor is uneven or slippery.
- When manual handling is not possible at a safe height and in a correct position.
- When the floor or work plane is on different levels.
- When the floor or points of support are unstable.
- When the temperature, humidity, circulation of air or lighting is inadequate.
3.4. Due to demands of the activity
- Physical efforts that are too frequent or prolonged.
- Insufficient rest or recovery period.
- Excessive elevation, lowering or transport distances.
- Imposed work rate that the worker cannot alter.
3.5. Due to personal risk factors
- Lack of physical aptitude for the task.
- Unsuitable clothing, footwear or other personal effects.
- Insufficient training.
- Prior existence of a lower-back pathology.
