Manual handling

Hazards and Solutions

1. Hazard 1 Manual handling in all workplaces

   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment to control the risk of manual handling.
   • Ensure mechanical aids and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Store objects at waist height to reduce the need to lift objects.
   • Reduce the size and weight of objects to be lifted (ensure this does not increase the frequency of lifting).
   • Ensure floors and ground surfaces in work areas, car parks and entrances are level, clean, well lit, clear of obstacles and in good condition.
2. Hazard 2 Manual handling in construction

   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg cranes, material hoists, forklifts, hand trucks) to control the risk of manual handling.
   • Ensure mechanical aids and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Arrange for bulky materials to be delivered to the final work location.
   • Provide lifting points or handles for heavy or awkward loads.
   • Order materials in smaller sizes (eg 20kg bags instead of 40kg bags).
   • Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive tasks for long periods or tasks that require a significant amount of high force.
   • Train employees on safe handling methods (eg that the best working zone is when work is between shoulder and mid-thigh height and where the elbows are close to the body) and how to safely use any mechanical equipment and aids.
   • Supervise employees, particularly young workers, while using mechanical aids and equipment
   • When lifting objects use appropriate personal protective equipment (eg gloves, long trousers, boots, knee protection pads) and cover any sharp edges.
3. Hazard 3 Manual handling in health care and social services

   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg overhead tracking, hoists, mobile hoists, electric tugs, wheeled equipment, inflatable mats, slide sheets) to eliminate manual transfer of patients, where reasonably practicable.
   • Ensure mechanical aids and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Provide trollies or lifting aids for moving heavy equipment (eg orthopaedic sets).
   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids (eg self-height adjusting bin inserts in laundry trolleys) to eliminate manual lifting.
   • Ensure floor surfaces are appropriate (eg for trolleys and wheelchairs) and pathways are clear of obstructions.
   • Train employees on safe handling methods (eg that the best working zone is when work is between shoulder and mid-thigh height and where the elbows are close to the body) and how to safely use and mechanical aids and equipment.
   • Supervise employees, particularly young workers, while using mechanical aids and equipment.
4. Hazard 4 Manual handling in manufacturing and retail

   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg forklifts, height adjustable trolleys, cranes) to control the risk of manual handling.
   • Ensure mechanical aids and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Provide suction systems for bulk supply of product and move them via forklift or other mechanical aids.
   • Use height-adjustable workstations and raise, lower or move either the work or the worker.
   • Provide height access equipment (eg mobile steps with handrails and work platforms) to reach objects or undertake work above shoulder height.
   • Ensure floor surfaces are appropriate (eg for trolleys) and pathways are clear of obstructions.
   • Position shelving and racking in storage areas at accessible heights.
   • Train employees on safe handling methods (eg that the best working zone is when work is between shoulder and mid-thigh height and where the elbows are close to the body) and how to safely use any mechanical equipment and aids.
   • Supervise employees, particularly young workers, while using mechanical aids and equipment.
5. Hazard 5 Manual handling in transport and warehousing

   • Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg height adjustable order picking trolleys, automatic in-feeds, four-wheel trolleys and lifters) to control the risk of manual handling.
   • Ensure mechanical aids and equipment are used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
   • Eliminate manual lifting of hardwood pallets.
   • Provide appropriate wrapping and stillages to prevent objects falling from containment.
   • Stack heaviest items at the base of the load.
   • Use plate freezers or trolley systems. If this isn't reasonably practicable, use aids such as height adjustable racking and trolleys, pallet lift tables and vacuum lifters.
   • Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive tasks for long periods or tasks that require a significant amount of high force.
   • Train employees on safe handling methods (eg that the best working zone is when work is between shoulder and mid-thigh height and where the elbows are close to the body) and how to safely use any mechanical equipment and aids.
   • Supervise employees, particularly young workers, while using mechanical aids and equipment.