R Lovering L L Johnson T Sayer D Morrison K Lloyd J Goddard G McNab S Young V Stewart R Wilson S Page J Craig G Dick S Bowler J Conway D Sinclair I Murray I Wilson M Bancroft J ONeill R Brownlie A Parkinson R Walker N Doherty V B Jigajiuui P Conway M Hanson A Stewart I Smith R McLean A Milne J Hepburn

APOLOGIES

K Wilson C E White J McCraith N Robertson B Bertram M Johnston D R Staines B Pill S Hunter L Young

1.0 CHAIRMAN Richard Lovering

The Chair was taken by Richard Lovering � Vice Chairman in the unfortunate absence of the Chairman who had returned from holiday in a wheelchair (again), whilst the Secretary�s position was being covered by Kevin Lloyd � Treasurer, in the absence of the Secretary who had previously tended his apologies. Welcome was extended to all, and apologies were given on behalf of the Chair and Secretary

2 MINUTES

The 125^th Minute � May 2001 � was tabled. The Minute was then proposed by Iain Murray and seconded by J Goddard as a true and accurate record.

3 MATTERS ARISING

Whilst there were no direct items arising from the minutes, a recommendation that future copies of the minutes should show the email address for the Secretary and Chair after their names at the end of the sheet, was made and agreed by those present.

4 CORRESPONDENCE

Copies of all the above-mentioned correspondence was made available for the Members present. Further information is available upon request from the Secretary.

5.0 BRANCH EDUCATION OFFICER L Young

BEO tendered apologies but had passed comment that a number of portfolios had been submitted for up-grading purposes.

6 SPECIALIST GROUPS

8 MEMBERS ITEMS

9 GUEST SPEAKER

The Chairman then indicated that there was to be another variation on the normal format of the Branch meetings as he introduced the Guest Speaker as Margaret Hanson � Senior Ergonomist from Institute of Occupational Medicine. The intention now was that, following a short presentation, the Branch members would be given the opportunity to feedback suggestions relating to an update on the HSE Guidance notes on Manual Handling.

• consulting with scientific experts to establish manual handling principles
• Consulting with the trainers, practitioners and users to ensure the principles are appropriate

Discussion in one working group Alison Stewart, Ergonomist from IOM listens in to the discussion. One group presents its findings Margaret Hanson summs up at the end

A number of visual aids were shown to remind the members present of the basis of the existing guidance notes, where the regulations require employers to avoid manual handling where possible, assess what remains and introduce practices to reduce the risks, training as necessary. The principles involved in Task, Load, Workplace and Movement analysis were covered quickly, followed by issues relating to the work being self-paced, a mixture of light and heavy tasks, team working, fixed postures etc Margaret introduced the topic by indicating that IOM had been commissioned to research the principles of Manual Handling Techniques in an 18 month project running from early this year until the middle of next year. This meeting was the 8th in in a set of meetings with specialists and similar organisations to gain comments and input from those with experience of working to the HSE L23 Guidance notes. The intention being to fill in some of the gaps on Manual Handling principles in particular as they applied to lifting and carrying. The research method was one of � Consulting practitioners and trainers to identify the gaps The guidance includes the principles of good lifting to include = Make a stable base with the feet apart Have the leading leg as far forward as comfortable Bend the knees so the hands when grasping are as nearly level with the waist as possible Keep the back straight, maintaining its natural curves Lean forward a little over the load if necessary to get a good grip Keep shoulders level and facing the same direction as the hips Get a firm and secure grip Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs Don't jerk; carry out the lifting movement smoothly Don't twist the trunk when turning to the side Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible Keep the heaviest side of the load to the trunk Slide the load towards you before lifting Put the load down, then adjust its position The members were divided into groups to consider the question = What loads and situation are you aware of within your work environment where the principles in L23 cannot be applied? � Give specific examples The five work groups fed back a variety of situations to add to those already known to the IOM study including (amongst a whole host of others): Lifting livestock - Moving persons (uncooperative or sedated) - Loading vehicles Moving heavy wheeled exhibition cabinets - Confined space working - Packaging Handling hazardous chemicals - Hostile ground conditions

The Chairman voiced a Vote of Thanks and a small token of the Members appreciation was offered and the members responded warmly.

10 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Members were reminded that there will be a short interlude before the next meeting which has been set at:

With the topic being

11 CLOSURE

The Chairman thanked all for their attendance and contribution and bade them a safe journey homeward and safe and enjoyable holidays; then closed the meeting with the invitation to have tea and then mingle.