Important Health and Safety Information

What's the problem?

 

Fact:
1. Manual handling causes 36.9% of all over 3 day injuries reported to HSE.

2. Most of these cases result in back injuries.

3. In 1995 days lost through musculoskeletal disorders cost UK employers up to £335 million. As estimated by the HSE

4. Many manual handling injuries are sustained over a period of time, not one particular lift. (RSI)

There has been more personal injury case in our tribunal hearings over the past few years than at any other time in history. With advertising techniques being used by law firms to actively encourage legal proceeding against employers you can not be to careful.

 

 

What Can I do?

To follow is your very own manual handling risk assessment you may already posses one. If you do not, use it, act upon it and keep the assessment on file. It will be the first thing that you will be asked to show if you are in the unfortunate position of having an accident in your facility.

 



Your Duties as an Employer.


AVOID - The need for hazardous manual handling, as far as is reasonably practicable.

ASSESS - The risk of injuries from manual handling

REDUCE - The risk of injury from manual handling as far as is reasonably practicable.


If mechanical aids are needed, you will be surprised at the productivity benefits that they will give you. All of our products at Handle-iT have been designed to provide maximum productivity with minimum risk.
Don't hesitate to contact us, if you need any further help.

 

"Your Company's" Manual Handling Risk Assessment


Problems to look for during risk assessment:

1 - Does the task involve

A) Holding the loads away from the body.
B) Twisting, stooping or reaching.
C) Large vertical movements.
D) Long carrying Distances.
E) Strenuous pushing or pulling.
F) Unpredictable movement of loads.
G) Repetitive handling.
H) Insufficient rest or recovery time.
J) Work rate imposed by a process.



2 - Are the Loads

A) Heavy, bulky or unwieldy.
B) Difficult to grasp.
C) Unstable or unpredictable.
D) Intrinsically harmful, i.e. sharp serrated or hot.



3 - Are the working conditions

A) Constraining or restraining posture.
B) Providing a suitable floor surface.
C) Hot, cold, or humid.
D) Effected by the movement of air/wind.
E) Correctly lit.



4 - The individuals capabilities

A) does the task require unusual capabilities.
B) Endanger those with health problems.
C) Endanger pregnant women.
D) Call for special information or training.

YES

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

 

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

 

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

 

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

NO

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

 

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

 

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

 

 

[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]

(Remember training by itself, can not over come a lack of mechanical handling aids, or unsuitable loads or an unsuitable working condition.)

 

Handle-iT provide the information above as a guide to manual handling risk assessment, please use them with common sense as all operations vary. Under no circumstance does Handle-iT accept responsibility or liability for any loss, damage or injury relating to the information supplied. If you are unsure of you position contact your local HSE for further information and advice.


Handling Your Handling Needs

 

 

How Do I Reduce The Risk?

Check your procedures to see if you can "reduce the risks to a practicable level"

 

1 - Can you;

A) Improve the work place layout to improve safety and efficiency.
B) Reduce the amount of twisting and stooping.
C) Avoid handling at floor level or above shoulder height.
D) Reduce carrying distances.
E) Avoid repetitive handling.

 
2 - Can you make the load;

A) Lighter or less bulky.
B) Easier to grasp.
C) More stable.
D) Less damaging to hold
Have you asked your suppliers for any help in this exercise?

 
3 - Can you;

A) Remove obstructions to free movement.
B) Provide better flooring.
C) Avoid steps and steep ramps.
D) Prevent extremes of hot and cold.
E) Improve lighting.
F) Consider less restrictive clothing.

 
4 - Can you; A) Take better care of those who have physical weakness or who are pregnant.
B) Give you employees more information. E.g. about the range of tasks they are likely to face.
C) Provide training.

(Remember training by itself, can not over come a lack of mechanical handling aids, or unsuitable loads or an unsuitable working condition.)

 

Handle-iT provide the information above as a guide to manual handling risk assessment, please use them with common sense as all operations vary. Under no circumstance does Handle-iT accept responsibility or liability for any loss, damage or injury relating to the information supplied. If you are unsure of you position contact your local HSE for further information and advice.


Handling Your Handling Needs