How to safely perform manual handling tasks

Manual handling usually forms some part of almost any job, but there are some key health and safety points that need addressing.

While Amazon and other large retailers have massive warehouses that use robots to replace most of their manual handling processes, most smaller warehouses do not have the budget to employ robots. Indeed, many do not even have forklift trucks and must rely on manual handling to store and pick items from the warehouse.

Manual handling is defined as any form of handling that requires hand or bodily force, and it always needs to be carried out safely. Just because employees can lift some heavy items doesn’t mean that they should. If a handling task involves lifting, twisting, bending, pushing or pulling, then the task may need special handling equipment to assist manual handling. Whether this is in the form of sack trucks, four-wheel trucks or trolleys, it is up to the warehouse manager to work out what equipment is best for each job.

If an employee is pregnant, has physical disabilaties or has health issues, it may be advisable for them not to be handling any goods at all.

The environment needs to be considered. Items stored in confined spaces could mean that the only way to pick items is to twist awkwardly, and this could cause injury. Slippery or uneven floors can be dangerous when manually handling goods too.

Workers wearing protective clothing, though necessary, could find that this restricts them when handling objects. By using the appropriate equipment and procedures to assist manual handling, the injury risks associated with lifting items can be minimised significantly.