Manual handling
Manual handling (lifting, carrying and handling of loads) is one of the most common causes of injury at work resulting, typically, in muscular strains or physical injury. For this reason there are regulations that require every manual handling task to be managed in a way that minimises the risk to those involved. The management process required is, in essence, a risk assessment. The starting point is to consider whether the manual handling task is necessary or if the work might be organised differently, or perhaps mechanised. Sometimes major alteration is not possible immediately, but may be identified as a future goal.
Where manual handling is essential a risk assessment of the task(s) must be carried out. Responsibility for this should be assigned to appropriate members of staff who may also require some training in the risk assessment process. Where the risk is low, assessments can sometimes be done generically, for example, to look at a particular type of handling operation. However, w here risks are higher risk assessments that are specific to individual tasks will usually be needed. Staff members who are regularly involved in manual handling as part of their work must be provided with formal manual handling training and should also receive periodic refresher training. (SEPS can arrange courses on a cost-recovery basis. See "Training Courses" page for details.)
In some cases protective clothing will have to be provided to staff involved in manual handling work. (e.g. safety footwear, gloves). (See guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE))
SEPS guidance on manual handling and an example risk assessment form can be accessed from these links:
Manual Handling Assesssment Form