A Guide to… Manual Handling

Manual Handling Regulations The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002, apply to a wide range of manual handling activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying.

What’s the problem? Manual handling injuries affect around 1.1 million people per year An estimated 9.3 million working days a year are lost due to work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Musculoskeletal Disorders Poor Manual handling can cause Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) which include problems such as low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries.

Manual Handling Risks Some of the main areas that cause risks include: Repetitive & Heavy Lifting Bending & Twisting An uncomfortable working position Repeating an action too frequently

What should I do about it? Consider the risks from manual handling to the health and safety of employees. Consult and involve the workforce. Consider Consult

Employer Duties AvoidAssess Reduce The need for hazardous manual handling The risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling The risk of injury from hazardous manual handling

Employee Duties Employees have duties too! Inform the employer of any hazardous activities Follow appropriate safe systems of work laid down for their safety Make proper use of equipment provided for their safety Ensure activities do not put others at risk

Avoiding Manual Handling Check whether you need to move it at all… Does a large workpiece really need to be moved, or can the activity be done safely where it already is? Can you take the treatment to the patient, not vice versa? Can raw materials be piped to their point of use?

Avoiding Manual Handling Think about using handling aids… Hoists Lift Trucks Conveyors Pallet Trucks

Good Handling Techniques - Lifting Can handling aids be used? Where will the load be placed? Is help needed with the load? Think before lifting/handling Think before lifting and handling

Good Handling Techniques - Lifting Keep the load close to the waist with the heaviest side next to the body

Good Handling Techniques - Lifting Adopt a stable position with feet apart and one leg slightly forward to maintain balance Get a good hold and start in a good posture

Good Handling Techniques - Lifting Don’t flex the back any further while lifting Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways

Good Handling Techniques - Lifting Move smoothly and don’t lift or handle more than can be easily managed Keep the head up when handling

Good Handling Techniques - Lifting Put the load down, then adjust. Slide into desired position

General Risk Assessment Guidelines Source: HSE