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Health and safety hazards Manual handling Manual handling is transporting or supporting loads by hand or by bodily force. In 2000, 35% of accidents reported to the health and safety authority were injuries resulting from manual handling activity. This is an important workplace issue that needs to be addressed. Patient lifting is a serious workplace hazard in the healthcare sector. Particular hazards may include the following: · Unsafe lifting and handling techniques · Lack of training · Inadequate supervision · Failure to provide or use mechanical lifting aids These may result in muscular, nerve or disc injuries. Many of these injuries can be easily avoided or the risk minimised. General chemical hazards Unsafe working practices with chemicals may have a serious effect on health, whether that is from long term or single exposure. Certain chemicals if inhaled can cause asthma, bronchitis or cancer, if swallowed can be poisonous or contact with skin may cause dermatitis or severe irritation. Needle