4.8 Manual handling

Manual handling, i.e. the use of human effort to move loads, is a common cause of injuries. The majority of the injuries that occur during manual handling operations are strains and sprains, particularly to the back. These types of injuries can be extremely painful and disabling and can sometimes lead to a permanent problem. Other injuries that occur during manual handling operations are hand and foot injuries (if items are dropped or if fingers or toes are trapped during putting down) and cuts and bruises.

Standard

The university’s standard for lifting and handling inanimate loads is based on the HSE’s guidance to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992).

Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992)

Note that the moving and handling of people involves additional risk and guidance is provided in the section on ‘Moving and handling people’.

Manual handling activities which present a risk of injury must be avoided so far as reasonably practicable. Where these risks cannot be avoided, then the activity must be assessed and the risk of injury reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable. The methods by which this is to be achieved must be recorded on a ‘Manual Handling Risk Assessment Form’ and guidance must be given to those carrying out the activities.

Responsibilities

Heads of departments must ensure that there are adequate controls in place for all manual handling activities within their area of control. They should ensure that they can obtain support from trained manual handling risk assessors.

The Organisational Development Training Unit arranges competent training for manual handling risk assessors.

Arrangements

Staff who are required to carry out risk assessments of manual handling activities must attend an appropriate training course.

Staff who do a lot of manual handling are required to attend a course in manual handling techniques.

All new staff receive basic guidance on the importance of using good manual handling technique when they attend the course on ‘Health and Safety Essentials’.

These courses are booked through the Organisational Development Training Unit; see Training Portfolio.

Assessment methodology for manual handling

The assessor looks at:

the actual task being undertaken
the characteristics of the load
the environment in which the task is being carried out
the individual undertaking the task

If there is significant risk of injury then the assessor and the relevant manager should check if the activity can be avoided, mechanised, or automated at reasonable cost.

If manual handling is still required then the risks associated with the task, load, environment and individual must be recorded on a checklist and checked against guidelines provided in Appendix 1 to the Manual Handling Risk Assessment Form. If these indicate that the operator(s) could be at risk, then remedial actions must be identified.

These remedial actions could include:

reducing the weight of loads, e.g. by splitting loads
providing trolleys
reorganisation of storage to prevent the need to lift heavy or awkward items from above shoulder height or below knee height
modification of the work area or activity to prevent repeated handling
improving housekeeping to remove barriers to good handling technique
training staff in safe manual handling techniques
ensuring that staff are physically capable of carrying out the activity.

Note: Appendix 1 is taken from the Manual handling, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, guidance on regulations, revised 1998, ISBN 0 7176 2415 3

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Guidance on Regulations

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4.8 Manual handling