What is Manual Handling?

Manual Handling is a physical activity that takes place in every workplace, and in some cases, the activity does not pose a problem. However, it can be a potential workplace hazard when an employee is required to handle very heavy loads, which could result in a back injury. The type of manual handling activity that needs to be assessed is defined in Regulation 68 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, (General Application) Regulations 2007:

“ Manual Handling involves any transporting or supporting of any load by one or more employees, and includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load, which by reason of its characteristics or unfavourable ergonomic conditions, involves risk, particularly of back injury, to employees.”

Risk Assessment

During the risk assessment process, employers review and evaluate their organizations to:

• Identify processes and situations that may cause harm, particularly to people (hazard identification).

• Determine how likely it is that each hazard will occur and how severe the consequences would be (risk analysis and evaluation).

• Decide what steps the organization can take to stop these hazards from occurring or to control the risk when the hazard can't be eliminated (risk control).

​Step 1	​Talk description	​In consultation with staff, collect information on how the task is carried out. Identify the key stages of the task and summarise all information collected.
Step 2	Collect technical information	The type of information to collect will include information on the weight of the load, physical measurements of the load, postures observed during the handling activity, the amount of space available, housekeeping, the duration of the task, the number of handling activities and the employee’s knowledge of a task.
Step 3	Identify the risk factors	​Examples of risk factors include: • Load is too heavy • Employee is prevented from handling a load at a safe height • Handling is made with the body in an unstable posture Each risk factor identified must be supported by evidence. A list of risk factors or unfavourable ergonomic conditions and load characteristics is detailed in the Appendices.
Step 4	Identify the improvements to be put in place	​This requires consultation with staff and an objective review of the information collected. The improvements put in place should avoid or reduce the risk of injury, and may be a combination of the following: • Use of mechanical aids for all or part of the activity • Reorganisation of work area or materials • Where handling will still take place, instruction in safe lift techniques • Development of a safe system of work plan • Communication of improvements to staff
Step 5	Review the effectiveness of the improvements	This could involve simple checks or supervision to ensure that lifting techniques are being conducted in line with the instruction given, or that appropriate handling aids are being used. Risk assessment should be seen as a continuous process and a review of risk assessments is important to ensure they are kept up to date and revised if necessary.

Do I Need to do a Manual Handling Course?

The manual handling course is aimed at employees at all levels who may undertake manual handling operations, including the transporting of a load of items by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, manoeuvring, steadying or transporting thereof by hand or by bodily force.

This includes, but is not limited to, professions such as:

• Warehouse and factory staff

• Heavy manual labourers

• Construction and building site workers

• Office workers

• Delivery drivers

• Agricultural workers

Ready to master the art of safe manual handling? Join our Online Manual Handling Course today and equip yourself with the skills to prevent injuries on the job. 🛡️