Which factor can be mitigated by using safety equipment during manual handling?

Using safety equipment during manual handling can significantly mitigate injuries. When employees are engaged in tasks that require lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects, the risk of physical harm increases. Safety equipment such as back supports, gloves, and lifting aids are designed to reduce strain on the body, enhance stability, and provide protection against injuries that may arise from improper handling techniques or overwhelming loads.

This focus on injury prevention is crucial because physical injuries can lead not only to immediate pain but also to long-term issues such as chronic back problems, strains, or more serious conditions requiring extensive treatment and recovery time. By incorporating safety equipment, organizations create a safer work environment, helping to protect their employees from these negative outcomes, thereby promoting overall workplace health and productivity.

Other factors mentioned, such as employee attendance issues, workplace distractions, or management conflicts, are not directly mitigated by safety equipment and are more related to different aspects of workplace dynamics and operations.