Manual Handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 ...

Health and Safety
Executive
16 The Regulations establish a clear hierarchy of measures:
(a)
(b)
(c)
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, mechanical assistance should be provided, 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.
17 The Regulations set no specific requirements such as weight limits.
The ergonomic approach shows clearly that such requirements are based on too
simple a view of the problem and may lead to incorrect conclusions. Instead, an
ergonomic assessment based on a range of relevant factors is used to determine
the risk of injury and point the way to remedial action.
18 The law also requires employers to consult their employees on matters that
affect their health and safety. Where an employer recognises a trade union,
then the Safety Representatives and Safety Committees Regulations (SRSCR)
1977, 7 provide for the appointment of trade union safety representatives. Under
the SRSCR, the employer is required to consult these safety representatives on
matters that affect the health and safety of the employees they represent. The
SRSCR also specify the functions of such safety representatives and set out the
obligations of employers towards them. All other onshore employers have a duty to
consult their employees under the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees)
Regulations (HSCER) 1996. 8 Under the HSCER, the employer can choose how
they consult their employees, either directly with each employee or through elected
representatives of employee safety. The HSCER specify the functions of such
representatives and set out the obligations of employers towards them.
19 Where it is not possible to avoid a manual handling operation then employers
have to assess any risks to the health of their employees. However, a full
assessment of every manual handling operation could be a major
undertaking and might involve wasted effort. To enable assessment work to be
concentrated where it is most needed, Appendix 3 gives numerical guidelines
which can be used as an initial filter. This will help to identify those manual handling
operations which need a more detailed examination. However, even manual
handling operations which are within the guidelines should be avoided or made
less demanding wherever it is reasonably practicable to do so. Do not regard
the guidelines as precise recommendations. Where there is doubt make a
more detailed assessment.
20 This booklet contains general guidance within which individual industries and
sectors will be able to produce more specific guidance appropriate to their own
circumstances.
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