The requirements for manual handling are the
Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992as amended with detailed guidance in L23 Manual Handling.
The Regulations establish a clear hierarchy of measures for you to follow:
- Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable. This may be done by redesigning the task to avoid moving the load or by automating or mechanising the process.
- Make a suitable and sufficient assessment of any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided.
- Reduce the risk of injury from those operations so far as is reasonably practicable. Where possible, provide mechanical assistance, for example, a sack trolley or hoist. Where this is not reasonably practicable, then changes to the task, the load and the working environment should be explored, e.g.:
- take steps to reduce the risk of injury to employees so far as is reasonably practicable; and
- take steps to provide any employees who are undertaking manual handling operations with information on:
- the weight of each load; and
- the heaviest side of any load where the centre of gravity is not positioned centrally.
The Regulations set no specific requirements such as weight limits. The ergonomic approach (see occupational hygiene and ergonomics and the manual handling risk assessment pro-forma) shows clearly that risks from manual handling tasks are linked to many factors. An ergonomic assessment is used to determine these risks and point the way to remedial action.
The law also requires employers to consult their employees on matters that affect their health and safety. See employee involvement for further details.
Further guidance is available on the HSE website and in the EEF Health and Safety Summary Sheet A11.