The IRSST has invested in numerous research projects on manual handling, including risk analysis, work organization, documentation of know-how and training, in addition to the development of a new approach to prevention: the Integrated Prevention Strategy for Manual Handling (IPSMH).

Key to this approach is the ability of manual handlers to use their own judgment when dealing with a wide variety of handling situations and work contexts. Developed by Denys Denis, UQAM researcher and responsible for the IRSST’s occupational rehabilitation field, this strategy is now supported by a document about preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) related to manual handling tasks. It combines training and interventions and is based on the understanding, observation and analysis of five action principles.

Five Action Principles, Five Videos

These action principles are the features that all the manual handling techniques used by workers have in common. Each of them has specific indicators highlighting the compromises that workers must make to safeguard their health and safety, in terms of demands or effort.