Reducing Injury Risk in Manual Handling

Manual Handling & Lifting at Work:

What steps can an employer take to reduce the risk of manual handling injury?

If possible an employer should avoid the need for employees to carry out manual handling operations. For instance, by mechanising or automating the manual handling process by use of machinery. If this is not possible then steps should be taken to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling and lifting tasks to the lowest practicable level.

A manual handling risk assessment will help to identify the risks posed by the manual handling tasks and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risks. For instance, the employer should consider whether mechanical handling aids could be used: in many cases the use of a wheelbarrow, simple trolley or sack truck could reduce the risk of injury. In some cases more sophisticated manual handling aids may be required and cranes, hoists, pallet trucks, conveyors and fork lift trucks are used extensively in many industries to eliminate manual handling.

Employers should ensure that employees are given full and proper training on manual handling techniques and on the use of any mechanical aids and equipment to be used.

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