Manual handling risk assessment
WaruSM will conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment involving manual handling operations that pose a risk of injury to employees. It will consider the task, the individual, the load, the working environment and other related issues and identify where further steps can be taken to reduce the risk to the lowest level as far as reasonably practicable. The assessment will assist your organisation in meeting the requirements of the Manual Handling Operation Regulations 1992.
What is manual handling?
As defined by The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, manual handling is “any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force”. In effect, any activity that requires an individual to lift, move or support a load will be classified as a manual handling task.
In other words, handling is a broad category of work-related injury. It accounts for more than one in five of all workplace injuries. Handling injuries include: injuries due to lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads; strains; sprains; trapped fingers and cuts from sharp objects.
Why is manual handling risk assessment important?
Manual handling risk assessment is so important because of the potential human, financial and regulatory costs to your business.
A risk assessment is vitally important to avoid injuries from manual handling tasks. As an employer, you have a responsibility to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all your staff members.
Who is affected by/most at risk from manual handling?
Anyone involved in the moving and handling of goods and people could be at risk. Injuries and suffering can be linked to any work involving handling of loads, even light loads if handled incorrectly. Risks can be found in all work sectors, but healthcare, agriculture and construction are recognised as high risk industries due to the number and nature of the manual handling activities.
What does the law say?
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 state that employers should adopt a hierarchy of control measures:
- To avoid hazardous Manual Handling Operations so far as is reasonably practicable
- To assess any hazardous Manual Handling Operation that cannot be avoided
- To reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.