What is Manual Handling?

Our Blog - What Is Manual Handling?

Manual Handling can be defined as per below definition.

“ Manual Handling involves any transporting or supporting of any load by one or more employees, and includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load, which by reason of its characteristics or unfavourable ergonomic conditions, involves risk, particularly of back injury, to employees.”

Some Common Manual Handling Queries.

Does Manual Handling Training solve all my problems?

No, a very common misconception, training is important but is a last line of defence, It is not that impactful to teach staff the correct techniques if the workplace is not optimised for safe tasks including manual handling which reduce the risk at source first and prior to considering training.

There are some tasks now which thanks to technology can avoid human manual handling in the first place.

How should Manual Handling be approached in the workplace?

Manual Handling should be eliminated or reduced by Risk Assessment where possible with administration and engineering controls utilised appropriately.

After the consideration of proper risk management controls, training, and the use of PPE where appropriate should be considered.

What legislation applies to Manual Handling?

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, (General Applications) Regulations 2007, Chapter 4 of Part 2, apply to manual handling in Ireland.

Can You Help With Manual Handling?

Yes we can help with Manual Handling. Please contact us today to discuss further.