We would like to share this information regarding the lifting of loads in the workplace and the compilation or review of your manual handling risk assessments, we can recommend using some filters outlined by the HSE. They provide a vast amount of information and they also offer guidance on manual handling, such as INDG143 (Rev 4) – Manual Handling at Work: A Brief Guide, which helps to determine the appropriate level of assessment for each task. The guidance provides support in considering the following factors:

• The task – What actions are required?
• The load – Size, weight, and stability.
• The working environment – Space, lighting, and obstacles.
• Individual capacity – Physical ability and experience.
• Handling equipment or aids – Any tools used to assist.
• Work organization – How tasks are allocated and structured.
• Pace, frequency, and duration – How often and how long tasks are performed.
• Other influencing factors – For example, does PPE hinder the task?

In addition the HSE provides useful assessment tools to support this process, including:

• MAC Tool (Manual Handling Assessment Chart)
• ART Tool (Assessment of Repetitive Tasks)
• RAPP Tool (Risk Assessment of Pushing and Pulling)

As you will see these tools help break down your lifting activities into key risk factors such as load weight, movement frequency, posture, and grip.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with manual handling and create a safer working environment. To ensure the safety of employees when conducting lifting activities, it can be beneficial to sign your employees up for manual handing training. Milne Safety provides a 1/2 day Manual Handling training which can be held at your company site or here at our training center in Wymondham, Norfolk. The benefit of our classroom based training is that it includes a practical element where all delegates are taken through the do’s and don’ts of lifting.

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