The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently updated its guidelines for manual handling.
Previously, the guidelines recommended that workers should not manually handle loads of more than 25kg. However, the updated guidelines recognise that weight is a factor, but other factors such as the number of times items are carried, and the distance carried are as important.
The current guidelines were summarised by John Arrowsmith of Indeva UK, manufactures of manual handling equipment:
“The previous weight limit for manual handling of 25kg has now gone and differentiating between men and women lifting loads has also gone. The regulations now look at the number of lifts being completed each day, and the muscular skeletal impact of lifts.”
Many companies hire an ergonomist to assess the stress caused by different lifts. They can identify lifting equipment that reduces injury risks and make sure that workers do not have to reach too high to lift heavy items.
The HSE has found that some businesses focus on manual handling training rather than reduce the amount of manual handling. It recommends that companies prioritise ways to lessen manual handling over training.
Storage areas and warehouses can be reorganised so that manual handling journeys are reduced. Regular breaks or new work patterns can be introduced so that workers have enough recovery time after each manual handing operation. Mechanised material handling equipment can be used to replace manual handling equipment.
The HSE has a number of tools to help businesses assess manual handling risks which can be downloaded at http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/manualhandling.htm
