What Is Manual Handling in the Workplace?

In short – manual handling in the workplace refers to the moving of objects either by carrying, lifting, pushing or pulling. Regardless of the industry, manual handling occurs in almost all workplaces, from retail shops to offices to construction sites. Incorrect manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries, including strains, sprains, arm and back injuries, which can all have a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of employees.

As an employer, it’s essential that you take the necessary precautions in order to minimise these risks associated with manual handling, such as providing training on safe lifting, ensuring employees are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, and ensuring that workers are not required to lift or move heavy loads without assistance.

Manual Handling in the Workplace Legislation

There are various legislations and guidelines that regulate manual handling in the workplace, with the aim to protect the health and safety of employees. The main legislation in the UK is the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, which requires employers to manage the risks associated with manual handling tasks, and to take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of injury. 

Another relevant legislation is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their workers. 

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also ensures employers undertake risk assessments, and implement appropriate measures to control and manage risks to health and safety in the workplace.

Manual Handling Safety Tips

As an employer, you must protect your workers from the risk of manual handling injuries at work. Here are our top manual handling tips to prevent accidents and injuries, which can be shared during training. 

Our manual handling safety tips include:

1. Assess the task before starting 
2. Use correct manual handling techniques 
3. Take necessary breaks
4. Wear appropriate clothing

1. Assess the Task Before Starting

First things first, you want to ensure your employees assess the handling task before starting. It’s important they determine the weight and size of the object, any potential hazards along the way and how far they will need to carry it. The task should be analysed and planned accordingly, using the necessary equipment and help if needed.

2. Use Correct Manual Handling Techniques

Using correct manual handling techniques is absolutely crucial when it comes to preventing accidents and injuries from improper lifting of heavy objects. Here are some essential manual handling tips: 

• Ensure a steady base – before lifting, keep your feet apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other to ensure a stable base.
• Get a strong, tight grip on the object before attempting to lift it 
• Lift using your knees – always lift with bent knees, not your back.
• Tighten your core – when lifting, tighten your core muscles to support your back.
• Avoid twisting or leaning backwards and ensure you keep the object close to your body as you lift it.
• Keep your head up and look ahead once the load is held securely. Avoid looking down. 

Raise awareness throughout your organisation with our Safe Manual Handling Poster. This wall chart features fully coloured illustrations and clear, easy to follow text with encapsulated finish for superior durability.

If possible, employees should ask coworkers to help lift the load, or reduce the weight of the load by dissembling the load into smaller, lighter parts and carrying some themselves.

4. Take Necessary Breaks

This one goes without saying. If the task requires your employee(s) to lift heavy objects for a long period of time, you must encourage them to take regular breaks.

What Is the Law for Breaks at Work?

In the UK, workers have the right to have breaks during their working day, and this is outlined in the Working Time Regulations 1998. This legislation allows employees who work for more than six hours have the right to a 20-minute rest break. It is reccommended that this break is to be taken away from their workstation, and workers cannot be asked to work during this time. It also states that employees are legally entitled to a minimum of 11 consecutive hours’ rest in every 24-hour period. For example, if a worker finishes work at 6 pm, they cannot be asked to start work again until 5 am the next day.

Employers who fail to comply with these regulations face legal action and be ordered to pay compensation to affected employees.

5. Wear Appropriate Clothing

Last but certainly not least, employees must be wearing the appropriate clothing which is comfortable and doesn’t restrict their movement when lifting. Footwear should fit correctly to avoid slips, and, especially in the construction industry, should wear protective hard cap footwear in case they drop the heavy object.

In fact, in many workplaces, wearing protective shoes is necessary for compliance with safety regulations, and employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for their workers, and providing protective safety boots is one way to meet that duty.

For more information about the employer’s responsibility for workplace safety, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, expert team on 01686 611 377, today.

Written by Kate, for MorSafe Supplies.