Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Manual Handling

Manual handling refers to the process of lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects by hand or bodily force. It is a common activity in many workplaces but can pose significant risks if not managed correctly. Improper manual handling can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as back injuries, sprains, and strains. In the UK, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to assess the risk of injury from manual handling tasks and take appropriate measures to reduce these risks. This may involve redesigning the task, using mechanical aids, or providing training to employees on safe manual handling techniques. Ensuring proper manual handling practices not only helps prevent injuries but also enhances productivity and contributes to a safer and healthier working environment.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

  1. Control measurers required for Manual Handling Operations will normally be identified and implemented from the initial Risk Assessment
  2. Whenever there is significant risk from a manual handling operation that is not identified in the general risk assessment, specific Manual Handling Operations assessments will be carried.
  3. The requirement to carry out manual handling operations will be avoided wherever possible. Mechanical aids, team lifting and/or load splitting will be utilised where manual-handling operations cannot be avoided.  
  4. Any information relating to the load, (i.e. weight, centre of gravity, heavy end, balance, etc.) will be obtained and communicated to the appropriate personnel
  5. Any Personal Protective Equipment selected and supplied as a last resort control measure will be assessed as to ensure it’s suitability to; the person, the task, the environment, combinations of PPE, etc.
  6. Specific assessments will be carried out for young persons, persons with disabilities and new or expectant mothers, 
  7. The results/outcomes of any/all of the above assessments and any method statements, written procedures, safe systems of work, permits to work, control measures, PPE requirements, etc. produced from the manual handling assessment will be communicated to the relevant personnel, who will also receive any training required to ensure that the outcomes of the above assessments are met
  8. All the above assessments and subsequent control measures will be regularly monitored and reviewed as appropriate, taking into account new materials, equipment, legislation, work practices, etc.
  9. Operatives will be provided with regular training on correct manual handling techniques including the Kinetic Lifting Technique.

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • HSE’s L23 – Guidance – Manual Handling Regulations 1992

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Written By Ian