What Does ELITE Stand for in Manual Handling?
Manual handling lifting, pushing, pulling, or transferring objects or patients is a routine task in healthcare, industry, and everyday life.
However, it carries a high risk of musculoskeletal injuries if performed incorrectly. To minimize these risks, the ELITE framework provides a structured, practical approach to assess hazards before performing any manual handling task.
What is ELITE?
ELITE is an acronym used in manual handling risk assessment:
- E – Environment
- L – Load
- I – Individual
- T – Task
- E – Equipment
It serves as a checklist to evaluate every factor that could contribute to injury, helping workers and caregivers perform manual handling safely.
Components of ELITE
1. Environment
Before lifting, ensure the workspace is safe:
- Adequate space for movement
- Dry, non-slippery floors
- Good lighting
- Absence of obstacles
- Stability of furniture, such as beds or wheelchairs
2. Load
Examine the object or patient you need to handle:
- Weight and size
- Stability (no shifting contents)
- Shape and grip points
- Avoidance of sharp or hazardous edges
3. Individual
Assess the person performing the task:
- Physical strength and posture
- Fatigue levels
- Health conditions or prior injuries
- Proper training in manual handling techniques
4. Task
Analyze the lifting or moving activity:
- Type of movement (lift, push, pull, transfer)
- Distance and frequency
- Twisting or bending requirements
- Recommended lifting height (ideally waist level)
5. Equipment
Use available tools to reduce risk:
- Mechanical aids like hoists, trolleys, or slide sheets
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Proper footwear
- Check that all equipment is functional and safe
ELITE VS TILE COMPARISION
ELITE = TILE + Equipment
| Feature | ELITE | TILE |
| E | Environment | Task |
| L | Load | Individual |
| I | Individual | Load |
| T | Task | Environment |
| E | Equipment included | No equipment |
| Use | More comprehensive | Older/basic model |
Why ELITE Matters
- Reduces the risk of back pain and musculoskeletal disorders
- Promotes proper lifting techniques
- Protects both the handler and the object/patient
- Integrates easily into workplace safety protocols
Example Scenario
Scenario: A nurse needs to transfer a semi-dependent patient from a bed to a wheelchair.
ELITE Assessment:
- Environment: Ensure enough space, check for wet floor
- Load: Patient’s weight and cooperation assessed
- Individual: Nurse is trained, not fatigued, no back injury
- Task: Bed-to-chair transfer with minimal twisting
- Equipment: Use of transfer belt and wheelchair brakes
Outcome: Use mechanical aids and assistance if needed, reducing the risk of injury for both patient and nurse.
Tips for Safe Manual Handling
- Always plan before lifting
- Avoid twisting your body while lifting
- Keep the load close to your body
- Use mechanical aids whenever possible
- Work in teams for heavy or awkward loads
Conclusion
The ELITE framework is a simple yet effective tool for safe manual handling. By systematically evaluating the environment, load, individual, task, and equipment, caregivers, healthcare workers, and employees can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Implementing ELITE in daily practice ensures both safety and efficiency in manual handling tasks.
Questions & Answers
Q1. What is ELITE?
A. A manual handling risk assessment tool.
Q2. Why is ELITE important?
A. It prevents musculoskeletal injuries.
Q3. Which component assesses worker strength?
A. Individual.
Q4. Which component includes hoists and trolleys?
A. Equipment.
Q5. When should ELITE be applied?
A. Before manual handling tasks.
Q6. ELITE is used in which fields?
A. Physiotherapy, nursing, occupational health.
ELITE in Manual Handling: 20 MCQ’S PRACTICE
1. ELITE assessment should be done:
A. After injury
B. During rehabilitation
C. Before manual handling
D. Only in hospitals
Ans: C
2. Poor lighting is a risk factor under:
A. Load
B. Environment
C. Task
D. Individual
Ans: B
3. Which factor increases risk under “Task”?
A. Load shape
B. Repetitive lifting
C. Worker age
D. Equipment quality
Ans: B
4. Fatigue and pregnancy fall under:
A. Environment
B. Load
C. Individual
D. Task
Ans: C
5. Mechanical lifting aids reduce risk by addressing:
A. Task only
B. Individual only
C. Equipment
D. Load only
Ans: C
6. Unstable contents inside a box relates to:
A. Environment
B. Task
C. Load
D. Individual
Ans: C
7. Carrying a load over long distance is assessed under:
A. Load
B. Environment
C. Task
D. Equipment
Ans: C
8. ELITE framework belongs to:
A. Biomechanics
B. Pharmacology
C. Occupational health
D. Pathology
Ans: C
9. Worker’s previous back injury is assessed under:
A. Task
B. Individual
C. Load
D. Environment
Ans: B
10. Slide sheets are an example of:
A. Task modification
B. Load modification
C. Environmental control
D. Equipment
Ans: D
11. Slippery floor mainly affects:
A. Load handling
B. Worker strength
C. Environment safety
D. Task duration
Ans: C
12. Which is NOT part of ELITE?
A. Environment
B. Load
C. Individual
D. Ergonomics
Ans: D
13. ELITE helps prevent:
A. Fractures only
B. Neurological disorders
C. Musculoskeletal injuries
D. Cardiac events
Ans: C
14. Frequent twisting while lifting affects:
A. Task
B. Individual
C. Load
D. Equipment
Ans: A
15. Checking footwear suitability is part of:
A. Individual
B. Equipment
C. Environment
D. Task
Ans: B
16. Which profession uses ELITE most?
A. Radiology
B. Physiotherapy & Nursing
C. Microbiology
D. Psychiatry
Ans: B
17. Heavy but compact load mainly affects:
A. Task
B. Load
C. Individual
D. Environment
Ans: B
18. ELITE emphasizes:
A. Speed of work
B. Injury treatment
C. Risk prevention
D. Exercise prescription
Ans: C
19. Manual patient transfer requires ELITE assessment because:
A. It is time consuming
B. It is high-risk activity
C. It requires medication
D. It is non-clinical
Ans: B
20. ELITE is best applied:
A. Only during emergencies
B. Only in industries
C. In all manual handling tasks
D. Only for heavy loadsAns: C
