Manual Handling Risk Assessment & Method Statement

Manual handling injuries account for over a third of workplace accidents. Proper assessment and controls are essential.

Manual handling means transporting or supporting loads by hand or bodily force, including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving.

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Key Hazards

⚠️Back injuries and strains
⚠️Muscul oskeletal disorders
⚠️Hernias
⚠️Crushing injuries (dropped loads)
⚠️Cuts and bruising
⚠️Repetitive strain injuries
⚠️Slips and trips while carrying

Control Measures

✓Eliminate manual handling where possible (mechanical aids)
✓Assess remaining manual handling tasks (TILE: Task, Individual, Load, Environment)
✓Use mechanical aids (hoists, trolleys, pallet trucks)
✓Reduce load weights and sizes
✓Train workers in safe lifting techniques
✓Job rotation to avoid repetition
✓Improve workplace layout
✓Ensure good environmental conditions

PPE Requirements

  • 🛡️Safety boots
  • 🛡️Gloves (appropriate to load)
  • 🛡️Hard hat (overhead hazards)
  • 🛡️High-visibility clothing
  • 🛡️Knee pads (floor-level handling)
  • 🛡️Back support belts (if recommended by occupational health)

Legal Requirements

  • 📋Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
  • 📋Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • 📋Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Step-by-Step Method

1. Plan the lift and assess the load
2. Ensure good footing and clear route
3. Adopt stable position, feet apart
4. Get good grip on load
5. Keep back straight, slight bend in knees
6. Pull load close to body
7. Lift smoothly using legs
8. Avoid twisting - move feet instead
9. Keep load close during carry
10. Lower load smoothly, same principles
11. Use team lifts for heavy/awkward loads
12. Take breaks to avoid fatigue

Emergency Procedures

• For immediate back pain: Stop work, notify supervisor
• Apply ice pack to affected area
• Seek first aid assessment
• Report injury in accident book
• Refer to occupational health if pain persists
• Do not resume manual handling until assessed fit