Rank: Forum user 
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Looking at a SSOW regarding a widely used manual handling operation in our organisation , I see it makes particular reference to "keeping arms locked straight" .
When pushing or pulling a heavy wheeled item should arms be Locked Straight or Flexed generally? I would have thought slightly flexed would be more appropriate but do not know why.
Any particular reason for one technique over the other?
I see both styles in use.
aiden
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Aiden
IMHO I believe the flexed position top be the better esp. where pushing mode is in operation. Should your operative ram into an oobject then with a straight arm pose an upper body shock would be received - then watch out for the ambulance chasers for saying use straight arms all the time.
Badger
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The theory behind it is that with the joints locked, you have to use your leg muscles and your body weight at as opposed to risking injury to the weaker muscles and tendons in the arms. To cause upper body shock damage would mean there is another fault (excess speed, failure to plan route/ unable to see where you are going).
The technique is most relevant during starting to move as greater force is required to overcome inertia.
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Rank: Guest
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Hello Aiden
Firstly, may I compliment you on how conscientiously you approach intricate ergonomic issues.
The trouble about taking the kind of guideline you cite literally is that there may well be circumstances in which strict compliance can be very hazardous. For all forms of safe manual handling require appreciation of how the balance of forces are operating at any time, whatever the weight of the load, the posture of the individual, the shape/size/weight of the laod, their grips on the load, the varying floor/steps surface and so on.
Best to provide training in manual handling, coaching about the issues to team leaders and use posters and newsletters for pictorial reminders. In the event of any claim, you'll then have unquestionable evidence of how well you have created and maintained a SSOW, much more than simply issuing guidelines.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Safety - I see the logic of the argument, but would still suggest that arms flexed, getting close and using body weight to get it started would still be safer and easier.
Assessment of the work area would also be required to identify areas where space is restricted, inclines etc.
David
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi David,
I agree with you. I was just stating what the logic was behind the current guidance that is out there.
I have innumerable bug-bares about manual handling, not least of which is that the education starts too late!
We spend at the very least, 5 years of schooling lugging books and sports kit around all day when our bodies can be easily damaged only to be told when we start work that you shouldn't do that. And because we are still young, fit and flexible we ignore the 'oldies' because we think we are invincible. It is not until later life and the damage is done that we realise the error of our ways and try to educate, by which time it's too late. We are the 'oldies'!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The regulations do not give a definative answer, all they say is that when pushing a trolley hands should not be below waist height or above shoulder height, of course this will depend on the trolley.
I do not think we should be so prescrptive as to the arm shape, the individual will know what is comfortable for them. It also takes into account the environmet and terrain, i.e. going up a slope may require the arms to be straight, coming down you may need them bent or may need to change direction, go in the front of the load.
Remember the first part of the regulation is if you can avoid the need for manual handling tasks you should do so.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks all , very informative and good reasoning.
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