Manual handling is lifting, lowering, filling, emptying or carrying loads. Manual handling covers carrying a person, an animal or an object. It can be said that most manufacturing or distribution works require a certain amount of manual handling. An element of manual handling probably cannot be avoided in some jobs. Some may not want a machine or automated system to carry things for us, as this could be another way of machinery taking over people’s jobs.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 set out the measures which must be taken to reduce the risks associated with manual lifting and carrying while at work. A vast amount of accidents are associated with manual handling, although fatal manual handling accidents are rare. However serious injuries can and do happen in relation to manual handling.
The Regulations mean that employers must, whenever possible, avoid the need for employees to undertake manual handling operations. Obviously this is not possible in each and every job and if you are required to undertake manual handling duties then your employer should undertake risk assessments. Risk assessments involve a review of the whole process, for example could the work be done differently, what measures could be taken.
When manual handling is necessary an employer has a duty to reduce the risks by introducing control measures. Such measures could be to provide mechanical assistance for example (i.e. hoists, pallet trucks or trolleys). Manual handling should only be undertaken if it is necessary and if the desired result could not be achieved in a different way. If manual handling cannot be avoided then employers should consider whether it can be automated or done in a mechanical way.
There are guidelines surrounding the amount of weight a person can handle at different levels. For example, under these guidelines you can lift a greater weight at elbow height than you can lift at mid lower leg height. The theory being that you can hold an object at elbow height and use your body for support. However despite the guidelines it is accepted that no manual handling activity is completely safe. In terms of the guidelines for the amount of weight a person can handle, this assumes that the load is easy to grasp with both hands and that the person carrying the load is a reasonably fit and well trained individual.
Some simple principles can help you avoid injury when undertaking manual handling:
- Ensure that the object is light enough to lift and is stable and unlikely to shift or move;
- Make sure that the intended route is clear of obstructions;
- Make sure that there is somewhere to put the load down wherever it is to be moved to;
- Stand as close to the load as possible and spread your feet to shoulder width;
- Bend your knees and try and keep the back’s natural upright posture.
The above list is not exhaustive but you can see how simple principles can reduce the risk of injury. If you have been unfortunate enough to sustain injury as a result of manual handling then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. If you would like to discuss a potential claim, do not hesitate to contact The Injury Lawyers today.
