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Injury statistics
Over 30% of food and drink industry injuries reported to HSE are manual handling injuries such as back
injuries, this represents around 1700 acute injuries per year. Manual handling injuries are caused by
handling and lifting -60% of the injuries involve lifting heavy objects.
Full mechanical handling - where bulk storage arrangements are not possible, consider installing full
mechanical handling options for unit loads. For example vacuum lifting devices, conveyors and
computerised vacuum lift-assisted palletisers.
Partial mechanical handling - where full mechanical handling is not reasonably practicable, consider
installing devices that assist manual handling. For example scissor lifts with rotating tables to raise or
position loads at work height. For sack handling consider platforms adjacent to hoppers to rest sacks on
or bag splitters that automatically cut open and tip sacks into hoppers.
Unloading sacks from shipping containers can present particular difficulties due to settlement of sacks in
transit and restricted working space. Additionally if shipping containers are coming from abroad it may be
difficult to control the sack weight. One method is by use of a tipper lorry which lifts the container to an
angle so that the load is tipped out or onto a conveyor.
Ensure good practices are followed - not picking up loads from the floor if possible, adequate space to
prevent twisting or bending, a clear level work area, rest breaks when needed, not carrying 'double' loads
and job rotation with a non-lifting task.