Health & Safety Risk Management System

H07 - Manual Handling

According to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Manual Handling is defined as: ‘...any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force.’

These activities are inherent in almost every job which is possibly why musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting one million people a year. The problem which affects employees most often is back pain, however MSDs also include joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various kinds.

It is important that employers understand the risks associated with manual handling and take appropriate measures to assess and ultimately reduce the risks, so the likelihood of suffering from MSDs such as back pain are reduced. The Manual Handling Procedure is a guide to enable responsible managers to comply with the aforementioned piece of legislation.