Manual Handling Code Of Practice - Northumbria.ac.uk
Manual Handling Code of PracticeReviews and RevisionsActionDateReasonReviewerManual Handling Code of Practice1
ContentsReviews and Revisions. 11. Scope. 32. Introduction . 33. Definition of manual handling. 34. Legal Considerations . 45. Responsibilities . 45.1 Executive Deans/Directors . 45.2 Line Managers/Supervisors . 45.3 Employees . 56. Manual Handling Risk Assessment . 66.1 Manual Handling Assessment Flowchart . 86.2 Step 1 - Identify manual handling operations . 86.3 Step 2 - Identify those carrying out manual handling operations . 96.4 Step 3 - Evaluate risk from manual handling operations . 106.5 Step 4 - Implement the results of the evaluation . 106.6 Step 5 - Record the results of the manual handling risk assessment . 117. Typical manual handling problems and ways of reducing the risk of injury from manual handling. 11Appendix 1 – Relevant Legislation / Regulations . 15Appendix 2 - General Risk Assessment Form . 17Appendix 3 - Manual handling of loads - Assessment checklist . 20Appendix 4 – Lifting and handling guidelines . 25Table 2 – Application of guidelines checklist . 30Manual Handling Code of Practice2
1. ScopeThis document provides the core standards that must be achieved by all of the Faculties andServices of the University to ensure compliance with legal requirements. It also offers guidance onhow to achieve these standards. It is intended to provide relevant information to managers andUniversity employees to enable them to undertake their responsibilities in relation to themanagement and implementation of safe manual handling activities.2. IntroductionIncorrect manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury at work. It causes workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which account for over a third of all workplace injuries.Manual handling injuries can happen anywhere where there are people at work. Heavy work,awkward postures, manual materials handling, and previous or existing injury are all risk factors indeveloping MSDs.The back in particular, is prone to injury caused by incorrect or excessive manual handling, andpermanent injuries or chronic and very painful conditions can occur. Back injuries can often resultin long term illness and absence, which can place a strain on the injured person, their family, theemployer and workplace in general.It is in the interests of all that manual handling operations are continually assessed, with theobjectives of removing or significantly reducing the likelihood of foreseeable injuries.Other injuries associated with manual handling should also be considered. These include othermusculoskeletal disorders to upper limbs and neck, fractures, crush injuries, cuts and abrasions,sprains and strains, and hernias.Although the extent may vary, most jobs within the University will involve some manual handlingactivities.3. Definition of manual handlingThe Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), apply to a wide range of manualhandling activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying. The load may besupported by the hands or any other part of the body, for example the shoulder. Manual Handlingalso includes the intentional dropping of a load and the throwing of a load, whether into acontainer or from one person to another. The load may be either inanimate, such as a box or atrolley, or animate, such as a person or an animal.‘Manual handling of loads’ means any transporting or supporting of a load by one or more personsinvolving the risk of injury. Most employees will perform one or more manual handling activity inthe course of their normal daily duties, however, heavy manual labour, awkward postures, manualmaterials handling and previous or existing injury are all risk factors implicated in the developmentof musculoskeletal disorders.Manual Handling Code of Practice3
4. Legal ConsiderationsThe following legislation apply and should be considered when planning any type of manualhandling activity. The Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, (as amended in 2002). The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).The Act and supporting regulations place duties on the University towards employees and thosewho may be affected by its activities. It is the responsibility of the University to ensure thatappropriate standards are met in relation to health and safety.A brief outline of these legislation and regulations can be found in Appendix 15. Responsibilities5.1 Executive Deans/DirectorsIt is the responsibility of the Executive Deans/Directors to ensure there is provision for manualhandling operations that could result in an injury, to be assessed and adequately controlled. TheExecutive Dean/Directors should also ensure that the manual handling risk assessments andcontrol measures contained therein are outlined and referenced in their Departmental Health andSafety Operating Arrangements.5.2 Line Managers/SupervisorsIt is the responsibility of line managers/supervisors to ensure that: any hazardous manual handling operations under their control are avoided, so far as isreasonably practicable; where such handling operations cannot be avoided, suitable and sufficient riskassessments are undertaken and control measures implemented to adequately reduce thelevel of risk, so far as is reasonably practicable; those undertaking manual handling risk assessments consult the staff carrying out manualhandling operations, so that a detailed, accurate and representative assessment of themanual handling operation can be made;Manual Handling Code of Practice4
suitable manual handling training is provided for staff members for whom manualhandling operations form a significant part of their role. Additionally, adequatesupervision, instruction and information regarding manual handling operations should beprovided to such staff members. For example, the weight of each load/load component; isthe load liable to shift during handling; or where the centre of gravity of a load is etc.; staff are considered to be suitably fit to undertake manual handling operations, so far ascan be reasonably determined; appropriate time is allocated so that manual handling operations can be undertaken safely; staff members are aware of, and follow the control measures in place with regard to anymanual handling operations within their respective areas, as outlined in relevant riskassessments, (see section 6 on completing a risk assessment); risk assessments are reviewed periodically, or if circumstances change. For example, if aninjury is sustained during a manual handling operation; the items being handled change inweight or size, or the frequency of handling operations change, or a new or expectantmother joins or is already a staff member, etc.; suitable equipment to alleviate manual handling operations is provided, so far as isreasonably practicable. Equipment where provided should be suitably inspected andmaintained, and staff should be trained in the use of the equipment; Any incidents/accidents relating to manual handling operations are thoroughlyinvestigated, reported through the correct channels and any remedial actionsimplemented in a timely manner;5.3EmployeesAll employees are responsible for: Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety, and the safety of others who may beaffected by their activities; Correctly using any system of work in place for manual handling operations; Avoiding hazardous manual handling operations by use of any appropriate equipmentproviding for manual handling operations, in accordance with the training and instructionsgiven to them. Such equipment will include machinery and other aids provided for thesafe handling of loads; Informing their line manager/supervisor of any concerns that might reasonably beconsidered to affect their ability to undertake manual handling operations safely, e.g.pregnancy, a history of back, knee or hip trouble, hernia etc.;Manual Handling Code of Practice5
Reporting any accident, incident, injury or near-miss immediately to their linemanager/supervisor; Wearing appropriate clothing (that permits good posture, hand and foot grip etc.) andpersonal protective equipment for the task, or as specified in the risk assessment; Undergoing any suitable training identified.6. Manual Handling Risk AssessmentThe Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) outlines the requirementto: Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling, so far as is reasonably practicable.Consider whether the load needs moving or can the task be taken to the load. Considerthe use of mechanical handling aids Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling that cannot be avoided.Identify ways to make the activity easier and less risky, i.e. less physically demanding. Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, so far as is reasonablypracticable. This means reducing the risk until the cost of any further precautions, time,effort or money, would be far too great in proportion to the benefits.Making an assessment of a task or activity for manual handling operationsIdentify if the task or activity involves the manual handling of loads. A general risk assessmentshould be undertaken to determine this (General risk assessment form – Appendix 2). Bothregular and irregular activities associated with the task or activity should also be taken intoaccount when carrying out the general risk assessment, as these may reveal occasional orsporadic manual handling operations that need to be assessed in more detail, i.e. by undertakinga, more detailed, manual handling risk assessment.Where manual handling operations cannot be avoided, the University has a duty to make asuitable and sufficient assessment of the risk to health (Manual handling of loads – Assessmentchecklist form – Appendix 3)The outcome of the risk assessment process should be to reduce risk to an insignificant or lowlevel, so far as is reasonably practicable, by use of suitable control measures. Control measures oralternative methods should be continually refined to achieve this.The manual handling assessment should take into account a range of relevant factors that existor are foreseeable, and of which the manual handling operation might comprise.Manual Handling Code of Practice6
These include: the tasks; the loads; the working environment;individual capability;Handling aids and equipment, andWork organisational factorsTable 1 below can be used in conjunction with the ‘Manual handling of loads – Assessmentchecklist form’ (Appendix 3), when undertaking a manual handling risk assessment. It can beused as an aide-memoire during the risk assessment process and includes examples, for each ofthe above categories, of problems to look for when making an assessment, and ways ofreducing the risk of injury from manual handling operations.Manual Handling Code of Practice7
6.1Manual Handling Assessment Flowchart6.2Step 1 - Identify manual handling operationsA general risk assessment (Appendix 2) of the task or activity should identify if there are anymanual handling operations associated with that task or activity. If so, the assessor should usethe Manual handling of loads – Assessment checklist form (Appendix 3).Those involved in the manual handling risk assessment process should consider the hazardsand risks involved in any activity or task and decide what can be done to reduce the risks.Consequently, those carrying out risk assessment require knowledge of the work area and thetypes of task involved. They should also consult personnel who undertake the tasks, as they areoften aware of problems and ways of avoiding them.Manual Handling Code of Practice8
It is important, when carrying out manual handling risk assessment, to take into account both theregular activities that are undertaken, and any irregular activities that may foreseeably occurduring manual handling operations.Regular activities – In such cases, staff are exposed to frequent and / or repetitive (continuous,hourly, daily, weekly or monthly) manual handling hazards, e.g. deliveries of gas bottles, foodand consumables; distribution of books, installation of computers etc.Irregular activities – These are activities that are carried out infrequently and sometimes atirregular times. Consequently, if not adequately controlled, these activities may present a higherrisk of injury due to for example, insufficient staff being available or the activity is subject to atime constraint. Examples could include a change to an office layout or a relocation of premisesdue to fire or flood damage, loading and unloading of sand/grit during winter months. Eventhough the activities may be irregular in frequency the same level of duty applies to reduce thelevel of risk from any manual handling operation as for a regular occurring activity.6.3 Step 2 - Identify those carrying out manual handling operationsAny staff that might be expected to carry out manual handling operations, whether regularly orinfrequently should receive suitable training, instruction and adequate supervision in order toenable them to carry out manual handling operations safely and effectively, using the correctlifting and handling techniques and appropriate equipment where necessary and as outlined inthe risk assessment for that particular task.This should also extend to staff, whose main duty does not include manual handling but whocould occasionally be expected to carry and lift certain items.Manual Handling Training is available within the University. The link below will give a list ofdates for Manual Handling Training and how details of how to book a place or edevelopment/core/Pages/MH.aspxIndividuals have different physical capabilities and characteristics and these should be takeninto account when assessing the task.Existing or pre-existing physical conditions may affect a person’s ability to carry out manualhandling tasks and should be taken into account.Similar consideration should also be given to changes in the capabilities of individuals. Forexample, a new or expectant mother; a person recuperating from a recent surgical operation;anyone suffering from a recent back injury, or a new health condition that could affect a person’sability to lift safely.Manual Handling Code of Practice9
6.4Step 3 - Evaluate risk from manual handling operationsEvaluate the level of risk from the manual handling operation(s), and if any controls are in placeto reduce the level of risk, decide whether these are adequate or if more should be done, i.e. carryout a more detailed risk (manual handling) assessment.Risk of injury can be reduced by consideration of the following hierarchy of control options;Eliminating the need for handling at source (e.g. delivery of goods by supplier to point ofuse);Can the task be automated or mechanised , e.g. by bulk delivery of gas which is thenpiped to the point of use from a central storage tank , thus avoiding the manual handlingof gas cylinders; or, the use of pallet trucks, sack trucks and trollies to transfer loadsrather than carrying them?;Re-arrange the workplace, e.g. store heavier items at waist height; store more commonlyused items near to point of use; purchase smaller unit sizes if possible; andProvide training, instruction and supervision to staff in moving and handling techniquesso that they are able to carry out manual handling operations more safely and identifyany hazards that might arise.6.5Step 4 - Implement the results of the evaluationIf, following the evaluation, any remedial actions are required; the following pointsshould be implemented:Remedial steps should be listed in order of priority (see Appendix 3, section C)A responsible person with the appropriate authority should be allocated to implement anycontrols.A target date should be set for implementation of those controls.An indication of whether or not the controls have been completed.Staff should then be informed of the results, the procedures to be followed and thesupervisory requirements (if any).Effectiveness of the change(s) to be monitored. It may be necessary to review and reviseany changes as necessary if circumstances change.Manual Handling Code of Practice10
6.6 Step 5 - Record the results of the manual handling risk assessmentAll significant findings from the risk assessment must be recorded. The risk assessment formshould include the following details: name and details of the person carrying out the assessment; the significant findings of the assessment; any recommended remedial actions; the person responsible for carrying out the recommended remedial actions; and the date of the assessment and the review date.7. Typical manual handling problems and ways of reducing therisk of injury from manual handlingTASKSProblems to look for when making anassessmentThe tasks, do they involve: holding loads away from the body?twisting, stooping or reachingupwards?large vertical movement?long carrying distances?strenuous pushing or pulling?repetitive handling?insufficient rest or recovery time?A work rate imposed by a process?Ways of reducing the risk of injuryCan you: use a lifting aid?improve workplace
management and implementation of safe manual handling activities. 2. Introduction Incorrect manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury at work. It causes work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which account for over a third of all workplace injuries. Manual handling inj
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The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 set out a clear hierarchy of measures for dealing with risk likely to cause harm from manual handling. These are: avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as reasonably practicable; assess any manual handling operations that cannot be avoided;File Size: 1MB
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Manual handling is the highest accident trigger reported to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) by the healthcare sector. In 2010, 35% of the total number of incidents reported by the healthcare sector to the HSA were manual handling incidents. Reported incidents concern both patient handling and the manual handling of inanimate loads.
8. Manual Handling Risk Assessment Staff are advised that manual handling should be avoided wherever possible and think about the process with a view to eliminating the activity completely, breaking it into smaller chunks or automating it. Manual handling risk assessments for hazardous moving and handling are to
Manual handling risk assessments Introduction The main areas of concern regarding manual handling are lifting and carrying, and it is important to avoid stooping and twisting where possible. The activity may also include pushing or pulling, and team handling. Manual handling shoul
Manual handling involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, throwing, moving, restraining, holding or handling any animate, or inanimate object. 2.1 HAZARDOUS MANUAL HANDLING TASKS A hazardous manual handling task involves one or more of the following: FORCE
