Understanding the Risks of Manual Handling at Work and Your Legal Protection

27 Aug Understanding the Risks of Manual Handling at Work and Your Legal Protection

In workplaces around the world, manual handling is a common task. From lifting and carrying objects to pushing and pulling loads, employees often engage in manual handling activities as part of their daily routines. While these tasks may seem routine, they can pose significant risks to workers if not managed properly. This includes providing comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, ensuring the availability of ergonomic equipment, and building a culture of safety awareness among employees. 

From strains and sprains to more severe injuries such as muscle tears and spinal damage, the potential hazards associated with manual handling underscore the importance of effective risk management strategies and employee training initiatives. In this post, we’ll explore the hazards associated with manual handling at work and discuss the legal protections in place to safeguard employees.

The Risks of Manual Handling

Manual handling involves the use of physical effort to move or support objects by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, or carrying. While these activities are necessary in many industries, they can lead to a range of injuries if proper precautions are not taken.

One of the primary risks of manual handling is the development of musculoskeletal disorders. These injuries can affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues in the body, leading to pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility. Back injuries, strains, and sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal disorders associated with manual handling tasks.

Improper lifting techniques or handling heavy loads can increase the risk of accidents and falls in the workplace. Workers may lose their balance, trip over objects, or suffer injuries due to falling objects, leading to bruises, fractures, or more severe harm. Excessive physical exertion during manual handling activities can strain the body and lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and decreased productivity. 

Over time, repetitive lifting and carrying tasks can take a toll on workers’ health and wellbeing, contributing to burnout and absenteeism. Handling heavy or awkwardly shaped objects without proper equipment or assistance can result in crush injuries. These injuries occur when body parts are caught between objects or crushed under the weight of a load, causing tissue damage, fractures, or even amputations in severe cases.

Legal Protections for Workers

Recognising the potential dangers of manual handling, governments have implemented regulations and guidelines to protect workers and promote safety in the workplace. 

• In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive sets out legal requirements under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. These regulations aim to cover a wide range of aspects, starting with the avoidance of hazardous manual handling.

• Employers are required to assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks and implement measures to avoid or reduce the need for manual handling where possible. This may involve redesigning work processes, providing mechanical aids, or automating tasks to minimise the risk of injury.

• Employers must ensure that employees receive adequate training and information on safe manual handling techniques. This includes instruction on how to lift and carry objects correctly, as well as guidance on using handling aids and equipment to reduce the risk of injury.

• Before carrying out manual handling activities, employers must conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement control measures to mitigate risks. This may involve assessing the weight and size of loads, evaluating the environment, and considering the individual capabilities of workers.

• Employers should regularly monitor and review manual handling practices in the workplace to ensure compliance with regulations and identify areas for improvement. This may involve consulting with employees, conducting audits, and making adjustments to procedures as necessary.

By adhering to these legal requirements, employers can help protect their workers from the risks associated with manual handling and create a safer and healthier working environment for all.

Have Confidence Knowing Your Protection Against Risks of Manual Handling

Manual handling poses various risks to workers, including musculoskeletal injuries, accidents, and overexertion. However, by implementing proper safety measures and adhering to legal regulations, employers can reduce these risks and ensure the wellbeing of their employees. By promoting a culture of safety and providing adequate training and support, organisations can create a workplace where manual handling tasks are performed safely and efficiently.

If you believe you have been exposed to the risk of manual handling, you have been injured at work whilst carrying out manual handling tasks or that you have not been protected whilst manual handling, then you could benefit from the assistance of Faircloughs. Simply visit our website to find out more about us and get in contact with us directly by phone on 01942 665 700, by email at info@faircloughs.net or via our online contact form in order to discuss your rights around manual handling and injuries sustained whilst manual handling in the workplace.