Whether you're a personal support worker, a construction worker, or even a warehouse employee, manual handling is probably part of your daily routine. And you're not alone—most jobs involve some form of handling, whether occasional or regular. But beware—these actions, often repetitive or demanding, are also a common source of injury.
We often think of manual handling as simply lifting boxes or moving objects. In reality, it’s much more complex. It involves a range of movements like lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, or even holding an uncomfortable position for a long period.
These actions involve not only the body but also the mind: each task requires coordination, good movement strategy, and sometimes even speed of execution.
Here are some striking statistics (source: CNESST):
Sprains, strains, and muscle tears: 71.3% of cases
Tendinitis: 15.5%
Back pain: in more than 54% of cases
Shoulder and wrist injuries: also very common
The most affected sectors? Healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and retail.
Several factors can lead to injury:
Lifting a load that's too heavy
Making sudden or repetitive efforts
Working in an uncomfortable or asymmetrical posture
Working in a poorly adapted environment (lack of space, poor visibility, inappropriate tools)
Personal factors also play a role: physical condition, age, flexibility, or even mental fatigue can increase risk.
It's essential to analyze the full context of the job: the environment, equipment used, task organization, schedules, and even performance pressure. Understanding these elements is key to putting effective, long-term solutions in place.
Using the right tools: to reduce physical strain
Good work organization: to avoid repetitive movements or uncomfortable positions
Employee training: to develop proper manual handling techniques
Even with every precaution, accidents can still happen. If one does, here’s what to do:
Rehabilitation services are generally covered by the CNESST. Depending on the injury, you may be referred to:
To learn more about the steps to take, visit our Workplace Accident (CNESST) page.
For us, rehabilitation is truly a team effort. Our professionals support you with a human, personalized—and above all, collaborative—approach.
Your on-the-job experience is valuable. You are the expert in your reality, your tasks, your work environment. On our side, our expertise lies in our ability to understand your experience, actively integrate it into your care plan, and create a tailored approach.
It’s this combination—your real-world knowledge and our clinical expertise—that makes our approach so effective. Together, we build a sustainable return to work, adapted to your challenges, your strengths, and your goals.
Have you experienced a workplace accident or want to prevent injuries before they happen? Contact us today at 1 888 951-8667.
Article written by Jean-Luc Simard, physiotherapy technologist.
Related article: “Regaining Confidence After a Workplace Accident.”