Manual handling
Manual handling can be defined as:
- movements (lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, throwing, carrying).
- repetitive tasks (packing, typing, assembling, cleaning, sorting, using tools and machinery).
Unsafe manual handling can lead to sprains and strains, soft tissue injuries, back problems, hernias, and chronic pain.
To reduce the risk of injury you should:
- avoid hazardous manual handling whenever you can
- assess the risk you cannot avoid it
- reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable.
We also advise you to:
- develop and follow appropriate systems of work
- use equipment provided
- tell your supervisor, Safety Officer, or health and safety representative if there are hazardous manual handling activities
- be careful that you do not put others at risk.