Guidance on manual handling at work

As an employer or business owner, you have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace. Part of this obligation is knowing the correct manual handling techniques and procedures that are essential to protecting you and your staff from injuries in the workplace.

These will vary according to the nature of your business and your workplace. However, there are some general safe manual handling guidelines applicable to every workplace when it comes to moving a load that should always be followed.

Step 1: Avoid the need for manual handling
Is there an alternative to lifting the load through bodily force? Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers have a duty to avoid manual handling tasks ‘so far as is reasonably practicable’.

Step 2: Plan the task carefully to identify any hazard
Employers are responsible for carrying out risk assessments for manual handling tasks. The Health and Safety Executive recommends doing a TILE assessment which includes considering the Task, Individual lifting, the Load and the Environment that it will be lifted. After completing a risk assessment, employers must take steps to reduce any risks.

Step 3: Provide lifting aids or equipment
Don’t allow workers to rely on their own strength. There are plenty of mechanical lifting aid options available.

Step 4: Reduce workloads and allow regular breaks
Always split loads into smaller ones and allow staff to take proper rest breaks or provide alternative tasks during the working day.

Step 5: Adapt the workplace
Consider reducing the distance workers are carrying loads over, especially the need to carry heavy items between floors

Step 6: Safe manual handling at work processes & training
Ensure you have provided all staff with adequate training to protect them from hazardous manual handling.