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What constitutes effective manual handling training? A systematic review
Stacy A Clemes1, Cheryl O Haslam, Roger A Haslam
1Work and Health Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK. s.a.clemes@lboro.ac.uk
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|September 8, 2009
Summary
Current manual handling training is largely ineffective for preventing back pain and injuries. Multidimensional interventions, including strength and flexibility exercises tailored to specific industries, show promise for improving worker safety.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Ergonomics
- Workplace Safety
Background:
- Manual handling injuries represent a significant societal and economic burden.
- Existing manual handling training programs aim to reduce workforce injuries but their efficacy is questioned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review literature on the effectiveness of various manual handling training approaches.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of English-language, peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings from 1980-2009.
- Utilized a published checklist to assess the quality of reviewed papers.
- Included 53 intervention studies focused on manual handling training effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence supports the effectiveness of technique- or education-based manual handling training.
- Significant evidence suggests training principles are not applied in the workplace.
- Strength and flexibility training show potential but require further long-term sustainability research.
Conclusions:
- Manual handling training is generally ineffective in reducing back pain and injuries.
- Multidimensional interventions, incorporating tailored exercise for strength and flexibility, are recommended.
- Further research and development of sector-specific interventions are warranted.
