Manual Handling: Protect Your Back
Manual handling tasks are the leading cause of workplace injuries, suggesting they’re often performed without proper technique or safety measures in place.
2023/24 figures show that 543,000 employees were affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MDSs) contributing to an estimated 33.7 million working days lost through ill health and workplace injuries.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 requires Employers to protect workers from the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling in the workplace.
Recent prosecution:
A manufacturing company in Ipswich was fined £6,600 after two workers were struck by slabs of stone, with one of the men sustaining multiple bone fractures as a result. The pair had been preparing to lift one of the slabs onto a saw bed when all three fell onto them. The full article can be found here.
Poor manual handling can lead to serious musculoskeletal injuries, lost time, and long-term health issues. Some of the common causes are:
Poor planning
Overestimating (Lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward)
Poor lifting techniques
Not using lifting equipment when necessary
Inadequate training
Rushing tasks or working under time pressure
Measures to control associated risks and ensure the safety:
Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable
Assess hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided
Apply control measures identified – regularly monitor/review them
Reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.
The TILE method is an acronym that can be used to help identify which aspects of a manual handling task pose the greatest risk. It highlights four key areas to consider before any workplace activity to ensure health and safety:
T = TASK - Determine the type, scale, and nature of the activity, including any lifting, pushing, pulling, or repetitive movements. Consider alternatives or ways to reduce or avoid manual handling to lower the risk of injury
I = INDIVIDUAL - Assess the individual performing the manual handling task, considering their physical abilities, training, health, and other factors. Regular reassessment may be needed as capabilities can change over time.
L = LOAD - Consider the object being handled including its size, shape, weight, contents, and other potential hazards (i.e. hazard materials, spillages, visibility, etc). Implement safety measures as needed, such as PPE, handling equipment, or taking the load apart to make it safer to handle.
E = ENVIRONMENT - Consider the environment where the load is moved - where the manual handling task takes place can have a huge impact on the risk level of the task. Within this area, consider any factors that could make the manual handling activity risky such as flooring, lighting, ventilation, and trip hazards. To minimise environmental risks further, remove potential hazards and plan the route before starting the task.
Investing in manual handling isn’t just about compliance, it’s about keeping your teams safe, healthy, and productive! Manual Handling Training can improve risk awareness and reduces the chance of injuries.
Contact us to find out how EB Safety Group can further support you, whether you need general information or assistance with staff training.
Additional Support
EB Safety Group - Good Handling Technique Leaflet
HSE Website and Guidance Leaflet
CITB- Manual Handling Video via QR code below
