Manual Handling Operation Regulations 1992

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, have provided a general framework for managing safe manual handling activities at work. The regulations state:

to avoid Manual Handling activities where it is reasonable and practicable to do so, and ,where it is not, to assess the risks and take appropriate steps to reduce it so far as reasonable practicable

Manual Handling (lifting, supporting, carrying , pushing, and pulling by hand or bodily force) is one of the most common activities in the home and at work. It is also one of the most common causes of strain stress, sprain injury and back pain.  Each year an estimated 642,000 people in Great Britain suffer from musculo-skeletal disorder which affects their back and is caused by work.  

Around two-thirds of these people attribute their condition to Manual Handling activities at work.  Disorders affecting the back may cost Britain up to £3billion per year. The social and health care sector is one of the highest risk areas for workers to be injured.

Risk Assessments are a legal requirement (HSWR 1999) and are an essential way for keeping workers and the people they care for safe when using manual handling equipment e.g. hoists, stand aids.

The tasks the worker will be asked to carry out using the identified equipment will be clearly outlined in a Manual Handling Risk Assessment and this documentation may vary in different services.

Workers are encouraged to read the Risk Assessment and carry out spot checks on equipment as part of this process.  If any concernss are raised at this time then by contacting the relevant person and documenting these changes in the appropriate forms will enabe all parties involved to remain safe and reduce the risk of injury.