Manual Handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 ...

Health and Safety
Executive
Guidance
Employees especially at risk
202 Particular consideration should be given to employees who:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
are or have recently been pregnant; or
are known to have a history of back, knee or hip trouble, hernia or other
health problems which could affect their manual handling capability; or
have previously had a manual handling injury; or
are young workers.
203 Clearly an individual’s state of health, fitness and strength can significantly
affect their ability to perform a task safely. But even though these characteristics
vary enormously, studies have not shown any close correlation between any of
them and injury incidence. There is, therefore, insufficient evidence for reliable
selection of individuals for safe manual handling on the basis of such criteria. It is
recognised, however, that there is often a degree of self-selection for work that is
physically demanding.
204 It is also recognised that motivation and self-confidence in the ability to handle
loads are important factors in reducing the risk of injury. These are linked with
fitness and familiarity. Unaccustomed exertion – whether in a new task or on return
from holiday or sickness absence – can carry a significant risk of injury and requires
particular care.
205 Allowance should be made for pregnancy where the employer could
reasonably be expected to be aware of it, ie where the pregnancy is visibly
apparent or the employee has informed her employer that she is pregnant. Manual
handling has significant implications for the health of the pregnant worker (and
the foetus), particularly if combined with long periods of standing and/or walking.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the ligaments and joints increasing
the risk of injury during the last three months. As pregnancy progresses it also
becomes more difficult to achieve and maintain good postures and this further
reduces manual handling capability. Particular care should also be taken for women
who may handle loads during the three months following a return to work after
childbirth (further advice is contained in HSG122 New and expectant mothers at
work).
206 When an employee informs her employer that she is pregnant, the risks
to the health and safety of the worker and her unborn child must be assessed
in accordance with the duties under the Management Regulations. A useful
way to ensure compliance and make certain that workers can continue to work
safely during pregnancy is to have a well-defined plan on how to respond when
pregnancy is confirmed. Such a plan may include:
4(3)(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
re-assessment of the handling task (positioning of the load and feet, frequency
of lifting) to consider what improvements might be made;
training in recognising ways in which the work may be altered to help with
changes in posture and physical capability, including the timing and frequency
of rest periods;
consideration of job-sharing, relocation or suspension on full pay where the
risk cannot be reduced by a change to the working conditions;
liaison with the GP to confirm that the pregnant worker is capable of
performing work duties; and
careful monitoring of the employees returning to work following childbirth to
assess the need for changes to work organisation.
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