With the variety of different job roles out there, some of us are still unsure of the health and safety risks that we are faced with, for example, lifting heavy objects correctly. Others may think that if they work in an office they are not faced with any risks when compared with the job role of a construction worker. The truth is, if you don’t follow minor procedures correctly, then whatever job role you have, you are putting yourself at risk of becoming involved in an accident.
Manual handling is the process and procedure in which we lift and move objects around, no matter how big or small. On construction sites workers are constantly working with heavy equipment – what some of us don’t realise is that receptionists and supermarket workers are also some of the professions that workers are required to work with heavy objects on a daily basis.
When ensuring that equipment and stock at work is moved safely, employers and employees both have a responsibility to ensure this is done properly. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has outlined a number of ways employers and employees can protect themselves.
Employers should:
- Carry out a risk assessment on all manual handling work, and do everything in their power to eliminate anything which is of a high risk.
- Eliminate any manual handling that isn’t absolutely necessary.
- Make sure all employees have had the manual handling training they need.
Employees should:
- Use all safety equipment provided by their employer when carrying out work.
- Speak to their employer if they have any worries about any manual handling work they have been asked to carry out.
- Follow all health and safety guidelines provided by their employer.
If you become involved in a manual handling accident at work you should inform the person on site responsible for health and safety immediately. After the accident you may choose to make an injury compensation claim; when doing so you should opt to use an independent company that works on a no win, no fee basis to ensure you are never charged for the service you receive.
