Load Handling

TITLE V of Legislative Decree 626/94 regulates the manual handling of loads. If you have to lift a load, remember that by lifting it with a curved back, the cartilaginous intervertebral discs are deformed and compressed on the edge, which can cause back affections. The stronger the inclination of the trunk the greater the load of the dorsal muscles and intervertebral discs. Even light weights can also be dangerous if raised with the trunk tilted forward.

Raising instead with a straight back, the trunk curves at the height of the hips: the discs do not deform; they are subjected to a minimum regular effort. If the trunk is upright you can lift weights without running any risk.

Remember, however, the Italian law specifies the following limit values ​​for lifting weights:
30 kg adult males;
20 kg adult females;

Do not manually lift weights above the limit values ​​by yourself!
Even when lifting weights, some general rules must be observed.
Many back injuries are caused by the WRONG way we lift weights.
DO NOT NEED:
- flex your back
- push the trunk too far forward - tugging
- move objects that are too bulky to prevent visibility - transport objects walking on slippery or rough floors or using inadequate shoes Lifting and depositing heavy loads always remember to keep: the trunk erect the back raised the weight to be lifted as sharp as possible close to the body firmly the position of the feet the sure grip movements without shocks the proper footwear


HEALTH RISKS

The muscular effort required by manual handling causes an increase in heart rhythm and respiration rate and produces heat. Under the influence of this muscular effort and the weight of sustained loads, the joints can, in the long run, be severely damaged, especially those of the spine (wear of the intervertebral discs, lumbago, herniated disc with compression, sometimes of the spinal cord and of the nerves of the thighs and legs). There will be sudden pains that limit the mobility and vitality of those affected so much more easily when the loads are:
Heavier,
- Taken at a sustained pace,
- Of consistent size,
- Raised and deposited with the bust very curved forward,
- Raised or carried away from the body axis,
- When the difference between the height of the socket and that of the deposit is great,
- When manipulation requires torsion movements of the torso,
- When manual transport takes place over a long distance.