Even if your work processes do not involve much physical labour, if your workers are required to perform any degree of manual lifting and carrying, you need manual handling procedures. Aside from providing the correct lifting equipment, sack trucks, and trolleys, workers need to be trained in how to actually perform the task.
Covering all processes of lifting, pushing or lowering physical objects by hand, manual handling tasks are common within trades such as construction, but any environment that has heavy items that occasionally need moving needs to conform to the manual handling regulations.
Improper manual handling causes back problems in at least 300,000 UK workers. These range from temporary discomfort, to life-changing permanent health problems.
A business needs to carry out a risk assessment for all manual handling activities. If possible, the best solution is to use machinery to move items without the need for human handling. For all other processes, manual handling equipment should be provided, and all workers should be fully trained.
A manual handling training course raises awareness and reduces risks. The course needs to include a practical component that allows staff to practice the best ways of moving items using the correct lifting aid equipment.
After training, regular monitoring is required to make sure employees are continuing to put into practice the lessons learned on their manual handling course.
Manual handling procedures and courses are the keys to looking after the physical wellbeing of any employees who life or move heavy items.
