Manual Handling Courses

The Law on Manual Handling in the Workplace

Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from the risks associated with manual handling under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR). These regulations require employers to avoid, assess, and reduce the risk of injury from manual handling tasks in the workplace. The law specifies that employers must:

• Avoid hazardous manual handling tasks wherever possible.
• Assess the risks of manual handling tasks that cannot be avoided, considering the load, the environment, and the individual performing the task.
• Reduce the risks to the lowest level possible by using mechanical aids, changing the way the task is done, or ensuring that workers receive proper training.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to significant legal and financial consequences, including compensation claims from employees and enforcement action by the HSE. Regular manual handling training is essential for ensuring that employees are aware of the risks and equipped with the knowledge to handle tasks safely, in line with current legal requirements.

Avoid Hazardous Manual Handling

The best way to prevent injury is to avoid hazardous manual handling tasks altogether wherever possible. This includes eliminating the need for workers to lift, carry, push, or pull heavy or awkward loads. Employers have a legal duty under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) to consider redesigning tasks, automating processes, or using mechanical aids to reduce the need for manual handling. Avoidance is the first and most effective step in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace.

Assess Manual Handling You Can’t Avoid

When manual handling tasks can’t be avoided, the HSE stresses the importance of carrying out a proper risk assessment. This involves looking at the task, the individual, the load, and the working environment to identify potential hazards. Employers must take steps to reduce the risk of injury by implementing safe systems of work—such as providing manual handling training, using handling aids, or team lifting. The assessment should be reviewed regularly and updated if the nature of the task changes, ensuring a proactive approach to employee safety and compliance with HSE guidelines.

Reduce the Risk of Injury

To reduce the risk of injury from manual handling, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a proactive, preventative approach. Employers should ensure that tasks are properly planned, workers are trained in safe lifting techniques, and the right equipment is used where necessary. Key steps include minimising the weight and frequency of loads, improving posture and movement, and ensuring the working environment is clear and safe. By following the hierarchy of control—avoid, assess, reduce—employers can significantly lower the chance of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. Creating a culture of safety and ensuring employees know their limits is vital for maintaining long-term health and compliance.

Expert Manual Handling Training to Improve Workplace Safety

Manual handling training is essential for preventing injuries in the workplace. By providing employees with the knowledge of risks associated with lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling, training helps reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Effective manual handling training should be task-specific and practical, focusing on real-world scenarios in your workplace to ensure employees know how to handle loads safely. It also teaches when to seek assistance or use lifting aids to avoid unnecessary risks.

Employers are legally required to provide adequate training for manual handling tasks that can't be avoided, ensuring that all employees are well-prepared to perform their duties safely. This training is a vital element of creating a compliant, safe, and injury-free workplace.