Manual Materials Handling (CCOHS)

Developed by: CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

Description:  This resource links to a set of 19 other information sheets about manual materials handling–interacting with things using your hands. About a third of the topics describe considerations for interacting with common workplace objects (compact bags, loose sacks, drum barrels, tall cylinders, large sheets, objects with poor grip features); and another third of the topics cover possible aids and other equipment (hoists/pulleys, grip assists, levers, team lifting). Other topics include general risk factors, the working environment, and work organization. The information at this resource has been gradually created and updated over time, so some of the topics may give differing or contradictory advice as the research behind this information updates over time.

This is one of a series of 20 guidelines for common workplace tasks created by this developer. You can access them by clicking on the “Ergonomics” link at the top of this resource.

Keywords: lift, carry, lower, hold, hoist, dolly, cart, grip, reach, levers, aids, back, hands, transport