Manual Handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 ...

Health and Safety
Executive
Guidance
68 Not all of these questions will be relevant in every case. They are covered in
the checklists (see paragraph 70 and Appendix 4). More detailed practical advice
on points to consider for the first three categories is given in paragraphs 86-171.
69 Each of these categories may influence the others and none of them can be
considered on their own. However, to carry out an assessment in a structured way
it is often helpful to begin by breaking the operations down into separate, more
manageable items.
Assessment checklist
70 It may be helpful to use a checklist during the assessment (see Appendix
4 for examples). These checklists cover both the analysis of risk required by
regulation 4(1)(b)(i) and the identification of the steps to reduce the risk as required
by regulation 4(1)(b)(ii), which is discussed later. The particular examples given
will not be suitable in all circumstances and they can be adapted or modified as
appropriate.
4(1)(b)(i)
71 Remember – assessment is not an end in itself, only a structured way of
analysing risks. It should enable the assessor, in consultation with the workforce, to
develop practical solutions.
General principles for reducing manual handling risks
Guidance
Striking a balance
72 In considering how best to reduce any risks found, the same structured
approach which was used during the assessment of risk should be used. Consider
in turn the task, the load, the working environment and individual capability
(see regulation 4(3) and its guidance) as well as other factors.
73 The emphasis given to each of these factors may depend in part on the
nature and circumstances of the manual handling operations. Routine manual
handling operations carried out in essentially unchanging circumstances, for
example in manufacturing processes, may lend themselves particularly to
improvement of the task and working environment.
74 However, manual handling operations carried out in circumstances
which change continually, for example certain activities carried out in mines
or on construction sites, may offer less scope for improvement of the working
environment and perhaps the task. More attention may, therefore, be given to the
load, for example can it be made lighter or easier to handle?
4(1)(b)(ii)
75 For varied work of this kind, including much of the work of the emergency
services and the healthcare sector, the provision of effective training will be
especially important. It should enable employees to recognise potentially hazardous
handling operations. It should also give them a clear understanding of why
they should avoid or modify such operations where possible, make full use of
appropriate equipment and apply good handling technique.
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