1. Central England Quakers Guide to Manual Handling
Presenter should look at INDG143 – Getting to grips with manual handling – available to download from
Most of the briefing material is taken directly from this publication.

2. Manual Handling in the Meeting House - introduction
Why do we need to think about this?
What can we do about the hazards and risk?
Guidance and good practice
Help and advice
Proportion as part of office accidents may be different – these are overall UK industry figures.
High risk industries are healthcare, agriculture and construction.

3. Why do we need to think about manual handling?
In the UK over a third of all over three-day reported injuries to the HSE are caused by manual handling. Do you know any office injuries?
Proportion as part of office accidents may be different – these are overall UK industry figures.
High risk industries are healthcare, agriculture and construction.

4. Why do we need to think about manual handling?
Although risk in the Meeting House is low, what could happen? Sprains or Strains Fractures Lacerations Back and joint injuries etc.

5. Why do we need to think about manual handling?
What do you lift and carry in the Meeting House? How much does it weigh? What else do you do?
Typical activities
Moving office equipment
Receiving/moving/loading/unloading – parcels, deliveries, paper, printing etc.
Filling and moving archive boxes
Any unusual items?

6. Why do we need to think about manual handling?
How heavy is it? A box of paper – 5x500 sheets Kg approx.

7. Why do we need to think about manual handling?
How heavy is it? An archive box ?

8. Why do we need to think about manual handling?
How heavy is it? An archive box Depends on size and what is inside!
Not suggesting we weigh everything but take care not to overload.

9. What can we do about the hazards and risk?
Avoid them altogether! - Have deliveries placed where they are needed - Use a sack truck or trolley to avoid carrying items Any other ideas?
Avoiding a hazard is the first and best way of reducing the risk of injury.

10. What can we do about the hazards and risk?
Also think about - Breaking a load down into smaller parts - Planning ordering, storage and use to keep quantities low - Finding help with furniture and other heavy items.
Larger furniture and office moves need more care and sometimes external help.
Think about stacking, storage and access.

11. What can we do about the hazards and risk?
If it can’t be avoided – STOP and THINK
- Do you know the approximate weight of the load. - No maximum but over 20Kg needs more planning
- Can you grip the item easily?
- Can any part of it cut or injure you?
- Have you lifted or moved similar items before? - Can you test or get a feel for the load?
- Is your way clear of obstructions?
Observe people who lift and move items regularly – they will often work carefully and instinctively – even more care is needed if you lack experience!
Steps and stairs increase the risk.

12. What can we do about the hazards and risk?
Always
- Ask for help from another person if you are unsure or don’t think it is safe to do the lifting or moving

13. Good Practice
Directly taken from HSE leaflet.

14. Good Practice

15. Good Practice
What might be unsuitable footwear?

16. Good Practice
Try with an empty box to demonstrate or for people to have a go.
Try close to the body and held away from the body also.

17. Good Practice

18. Good Practice

19. Good Practice

20. Good Practice
Look at the reductions close to the ground or above shoulder height
Lifting from a table or pallet is easier
Storing heavy items on high shelves is hazardous for several reasons!

21. Good Practice These are not weight limits or a legal standard
Guideline weights will normally be safe within the zones
Greater weights may need more planning and care
Reduce weights for twisting movements and more
frequent lifting
Also think about pushing and pulling loads
When two people lift or move a load together one person
must give directions – avoid ‘doubling up’ the load
Much more guidance on detail in HSE leaflet if needed.
Two people should not attempt to lift twice the weight times is safer.
Think again about large or awkwardly shaped loads.
Think about domestic examples too – lifting children or buying bags of sand or potatoes.

22. Help and Advice See HSE leaflet INDG143 or online
‘Getting to grips with Manual Handling’
for more detailed guidance.
See hse.gov.uk for INDG143 and other guidance

23. Help and Advice STOP and THINK Plan handling safely
Talk with someone else
if you have concerns about safety
And finally don’t forget -
STOP and THINK
Final message is stop and think
Many problems arise when a job is done without thought, planning or consideration of possible hazards – you should now be more aware!