Which of the following is a potential psychological consequence of poor manual handling?

The potential psychological consequence of poor manual handling is psychological illness. When individuals engage in improper manual handling techniques, it can lead to a range of physical injuries and chronic discomfort. This persistent pain or injury can contribute to significant stress, anxiety, and depression. The worry about ongoing pain and the inability to perform daily tasks can exacerbate these psychological issues, ultimately leading to conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or even burnout.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the typical impact of poor manual handling. Increased creativity and enhanced problem-solving are positive psychological outcomes, which are unlikely to arise from the stress and physical limitations associated with poor handling techniques. Similarly, while social isolation might occur in some contexts, it is not a direct consequence of manual handling injuries but rather a potential secondary effect of psychological illness stemming from those injuries. Therefore, the most direct and relevant consequence is indeed psychological illness.