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Manual handling guidelines - how to avoid injury at work

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Hardly a day goes by without employees lifting or carrying an object; it may be heavy, it may be awkward to carry or it may be a task that has to be repeated many, many times throughout the working day. 

Manual handling occurs in just about every workplace in offices and shops, in factories and on construction sites.  But manual handling is an activity that gives rise to injury and substantial costs; around 1m workers are thought to suffer from some form of musculo-skeletal disorders caused by manual handling, around 11.6 million workdays are lost each year and the cost to society has been estimated at £5.7billion.

What's the problem?  Any work involving lifting, carrying and putting down, pushing and pulling is regarded as manual handling. Repetitive activity or working for long periods without a break, heavy loads or those that are awkward to lift, bending or twisting of the body whilst lifting and poor or uncomfortable positions can all increase the risk of injury.

The solution?  There are three main approaches to reducing the risk of injury from manual handling: 
 
  • Avoid the activity 
  • Assess the risk where manual handling cannot be avoided
  • Manage the risk

There are several ways in which the risk of injury from manual handling can be managed.   Initially the size/weight of the load should be reduced, but even if that can be done, the use of mechanical aids such a pallet trucks or conveyors should be investigated.  It may be possible to modify the task to reduce the risks and, finally, employees must be provided with training.  A manual handling risk assessment should be carried out in order to properly assess risks and decided upon controls.  The Health and Safety Executive's Manual Handling Assessment Chart Tool (MAC Tool) is a simple to use method of carrying out quick assessments.

It is useful to keep records of manual handling risk assessments. Circumstances change and nothing stands still; employees will improvise and undertake tasks without regard for the risks involved so regular reviews are vital.  It is also important to take special care with female employees and vulnerable people, such as young people, who should be assessed separately.  Such persons may need to receive special attention in order to reduce the risk of accident and injury.  

For information and free leaflets: 

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/manlinde.htm

For the HSE's manual handling assessment chart (MAC):

http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/mac/index.htm

Should you have any queries or need more information on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact Chris Tebbit (Broking Director) on 0207 330 8738.