Guide to Manual Handling
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
These regulations apply to a wide range of manual handling activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying.
Manual handling relates to the movements of loads by human effort, as opposed to by the use of mechanical handling equipment such as cranes. The human effort may be applied either directly or indirectly to the load (it may be applied indirectly by hauling on a rope or pulling on a lever).
The introduction of mechanical assistance, for example a sack truck or a powered hoist, may reduce the amount of manual handling involved. It does not, however, eliminate the manual handling, as human effort is still required to move the load. It is estimated that over a third of all reported workplace accidents arise from manual handling activities. The risks include musculoskeletal injuries, such as back strain, injuries caused by the load falling onto or trapping part of the handler, and injuries caused by the handler falling.
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, a clear hierarchy is established: avoid, assess and reduce. The employer has a duty to avoid the risk of injury to employees arising from manual handling operations, where this is reasonably practicable. Where this is not reasonably practicable, the employer must assess the risks arising from the manual handling operation and reduce risk to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.
Where Manual handling cannot be avoided it is important that employees who carry out manual handling receive suitable training.
Have you considered what would happen if one of your employees injured themselves whilst at work? As their employer, you’re likely to come under scrutiny from the HSE; they’ll ask lots of searching questions about their training and your management systems.
Why book a Manual Handling Course with Bibby Consulting & Support?
- We have specialist Trainers who deliver cost-effective courses.
- You’ll be able to prove you comply with statutory legislation.
- It will help to reduce your absence levels and costs.
- Your insurance premiums can also decrease.
How Bibby Consulting & Support can assist your Business
We are able to provide you with comprehensive manual handling training to help you avoid, assess and reduce the risk to your employees. These sessions are available to run with up to 12 delegates, making it highly cost-effective and can be held either on your own premises or at our head office with refreshments provided. Course Content:
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
- What is manual handling?
- Related injuries
- Manual handling Risk assessments
- Risk reduction planning
- Basic rules and good handling technique
- Practical demonstration and Test
