Overall, what is the most serious consequence of poor manual handling practices?

The most serious consequence of poor manual handling practices is increased injuries. This is because improper manual handling techniques can lead to a range of physical injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders, strains, sprains, and other significant health issues. Such injuries not only affect the individual worker and their capacity to perform tasks but can also have broader implications for workplace safety and productivity.

When workers sustain injuries, it can result in increased absenteeism, higher insurance premiums, and a loss of skilled labor. Additionally, these injuries can diminish employee morale and motivation. Because health and safety are paramount in any work environment, addressing manual handling practices is essential to prevent injuries, promote a safe workplace, and ensure the well-being of all employees. This makes injury prevention a higher priority compared to factors like workload, safety violations, or training costs, which while important, do not pose the immediate risk to worker safety that injuries do.