Strength. Performance. Passion.

Lifting and Handling

November 2013

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

Lifting and Handling

Its a part of many activities
at Holcim
We lift and move objects of all sizes at our

homes and in all of our operational,

construction and office locations every day
Holcim people and contractors use many

different machines and equipment to lift and

handle loads
Proper planning and execution are critical to

completing lifting jobs safely and ensuring all

of our people go home without injuries

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

Manual Lifting
Is there a risk?
According to the Global Statistics, 15% of all workplace injuries take place
while manually lifting and handling.
Not all back injuries are a result of sudden trauma
Most are of a cumulative type
Repeated minor injuries
Continued or repetitive motion (such as lifting)
Time spent in the same position
Poor lifting techniques

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

Manual Lifting
What are the hazards if our systems fail?
Incidents can be..

Near Misses
Medical Treatment
First Aid Incidents
Lost Time Incidents (LTIs)
Most Common Causes

Improper Positioning
Improper Body Mechanics
Poor Footing
Load too Heavy
Unstable Load lifted
2013 Holcim Ltd

More Reality
Ex: Failed Manual Lifting Operations
Lifting piping when a spacer fell
Incident Type LTI
Consequences Person suffered a broken

thumb

Moving a Valve Cylinder

Incident Type - LTI
Consequences Person experienced a

back injury and missed 6 days of work

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

Safe manual lifting

Basic points in proper lift:

Firm grip
Back straight
Arms & load close to the body
Feet apart

2013 Holcim Ltd

Safe manual
lifting

Two Man Carry

Two Man Pole Lift

2013 Holcim Ltd

Mechanical Lifting (Hoisting & Rigging)

What Happens When Systems Fail?
Serious Incidents can cause;
Near Misses
LTIs
Fatal

Most Common Causes

Improper Hazard Identification

Lack of Competency
Improper Positioning
Improper Equipment Maintenance &
Inspections

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

The Reality
Incidents from failed mechanical lifting
Load Fell During Lifting due to Damaged Hook
Incident Type Near Miss
Consequences No injuries, area beneath load was clear

Material Fell from Moving Truck

Incident Type LTI
Consequences Person dislocated his knee

and missed > 21 days from work

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

The
practice
of
slinging loads and
signalling
lifting
appliances is an often
underestimate skill

Failure to do this
properly can result
in serious
Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

Mechanical Lifting Fail..

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

All lifting gear must be

marked with
Safe working load & identification
numbers or letters.

2013 Holcim Ltd

Type of Equipment used in Mechanical Lifting..

Here are just a few

examples of the many
items termed as lifting
equipment.

2013 Holcim Ltd

7 Tonnes

7 Tonnes

7 Tonnes

2013 Holcim Ltd

7 Tonnes

3.5 tonnes

3.5 tonnes

7 Tonnes

2013 Holcim Ltd

7 Tonnes

5 tonnes

90deg

5 tonnes

7 Tonnes

Load on chains 10 tonnes !!!

2013 Holcim Ltd

7 Tonnes

7.5 tonnes

7.5 tonnes
120 deg

7 Tonnes

Load on chains 15
tonnes !!!

2013 Holcim Ltd

Any greater angle than 120 deg is

illegal
This applies to all lifting
systems

Why ?
2013 Holcim Ltd

7 Tonnes

11 tonnes

11 tonnes
125 deg

7 Tonnes

Load on chains 22
tonnes !!!
2013 Holcim Ltd

In simple

2013 Holcim Ltd

Methods of slinging
There are hundreds of them
according to the type of load to be
lifted

But they all come under

three categories

2013 Holcim Ltd

Type of
Hitch
Choke Hitch

Basket
Hitch
Straight Lift
2013 Holcim Ltd

Take Time For Safety

Remember the practical implications
Consider the consequences of a potential incident
while in the process of planning and moving
objects
Think of the impacts a system failure could have on
job schedule and budget
Think of the impacts a system failure could have on
our people and their family

Proper planning for all manual and mechanical

lifting will reduce incidents and save time

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

Recognize Safe Operations

Safe Behaviors and Conditions The Dos
Manual Lifting
Plan the lift know your path, obstacles and

options.

Mechanical Lifting
Plan all aspects of the lift.
Inspect all lifting equipment before use.

Consider using equipment such as a dolly, trolley,

hand truck or forklift - secure the load when using

rolling equipment.
Position yourself close to the load before lifting.
Give yourself room to lift and set slide the load

as needed.
Squat and use your legs to lift and lower.
Keep the weight as close to your body as possible.
Ensure there is adequate room for your hands,

Shut down equipment that malfunctions or performs

unusually report it.

Restrict access and warn personnel of an

approaching load and lifting activity.

Use hook latches and ensure that they are closed.
Check brake function by tensioning the hoist prior to

each lift operation.

Ensure lifting equipment limit switches and

mechanism are functional.

fingers and arms.

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd

Know When To Stop Work

Unsafe Behaviors and Conditions The Donts
Manual Lifting
Bend at the waist.
Rotate your body with the load (do turn with

your feet).
Jerk your body or twist with the load.
Perform manual lifting in areas with poor

lighting.
Have the object(s) obstruct your vision.
Be a hero ask for another person to help

when needed.
Go over unstable, uneven or loose walkways

pick an alternative route.

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

Mechanical Lifting
Use Lifting equipment if you are not properly

trained.
Operate a damaged, malfunctioning or unusually

performing hoist.
Lift loads over people and where people are in

the fall zone.

Lift more than rated load for the hoist and lifting

equipment.
Use hoist with twisted, kinked, damaged,

or worn load chain or wire rope.

Attempt to lengthen the load wire rope or chain

or repair damaged load wire rope or chain.

2013 Holcim Ltd

Lifting and Handling

How well are we performing?

Group Discussion Point:

How do prepare for jobs involving

manual or mechanical lifting of

heavy objects?

Safety Communication Platform, OH&S, 2013-11-08

2013 Holcim Ltd