What Is Manual Handling?
Manual handling is defined as the movement, carrying, pushing, pulling and supporting of loads by people. Injuries associated with manual handling account for approximately one third of ‘more than 7 days’ RIDDOR reportable accidents in the workplace.
Note that it is essential to regularly brief staff on the importance of effective manual handling and outline the longer term implications that can result from manual handling related injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders. A good place to start is the free guidance leaflet available here.
How to Manage Manual Handling at Your Premise?
The key step to manage manual handling at work is to establish if there are any handling issues, by looking at the activities undertaken and asking your staff if they lift anything heavy – if the answers are yes then you should complete manual handling risk assessment forms. These forms can be downloaded here manual handling risk assessment forms. Once the risk assessments are completed any methods for reducing the risk should be introduced where possible. Afterwards training should be provided to staff.
You can find on our infographic below some of our top tips to reduce the number of injuries, caused by poor and/or excessive lifting and carrying. To give you a better idea of lifting and lowering weights, a box of A4 paper weights about 13kg and a beer keg 50kg.
If you have any enquiries about this topic please comment below or contact Food Alert on 020 7244 1900 or e-mail enquiries@foodalert.com.