Manual Handling of Loads: How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders

With the resumption of work activities in September, attention returns to the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, among the main occupational health issues. Manual handling of loads is a significant risk factor and can contribute to the onset of disorders caused by biomechanical overload. The risk does not depend solely on the weight of the load, but on the interaction between the characteristics of the activity, frequency of movements, postures, work environment and individual conditions.

What are the main risk factors?

Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling a load can place stress on the spine and on the osteoarticular, musculotendinous and neurovascular structures. The assessment must therefore consider work organization, handling methods, frequency of operations, characteristics of the load and ergonomic conditions of the workstation. Repetitive movements, awkward postures and insufficient recovery times can also contribute to biomechanical overload, making it necessary to analyze the specific risks present in the different job roles.

What do the regulations require?

Legislative Decree 81/2008, through Title VI, establishes that the employer must adopt adequate organizational measures and use appropriate means to avoid manual handling of loads where possible, or to reduce the risk when it cannot be eliminated. The assessment must also consider individual risk factors, the characteristics of the environment and the requirements of the activity. The decree also stresses the importance of informing, training and instructing workers so that operations are carried out correctly.

Why is Occupational Health Surveillance important?

Occupational Health Surveillance makes it possible to integrate risk assessment with monitoring of workers' health status. Based on the risks present and individual factors, the Occupational Physician identifies potential vulnerabilities early and contributes to assessing fitness for the specific job, setting limitations or requirements when necessary. The integration between the RAD - Risk Assessment Document, work organization and health monitoring helps promote safer and more ergonomic conditions and reduce the risk of disorders related to biomechanical overload.

What is the role of SAPRA Occupational Medicine?

To manage this risk effectively, SAPRA Occupational Medicine supports companies across different sectors in defining and managing personalized Occupational Health Surveillance programs. Specialist expertise, Mobile Outpatient Units and a network of Occupational Physicians active throughout the national territory make it possible to monitor the health status of workers exposed to ergonomic risks, support the management of job fitness and integrate health aspects into the company's prevention strategy. This structured approach allows action to be taken before overload turns into a health problem, strengthening safety, organizational well-being, operational continuity and regulatory compliance.