|
|
Manual Handling
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 came into force in the UK on 1 January 1993, implementing Directive 90/269/EEC. They were amended in 2002 (see SI 2002/2174) to technically clarify and further implement specific safeguards set out in the Directive.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 should be considered alongside the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which contain a general requirement on employers to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of health and safety issues in the workplace that may affect employees while they are at work.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling involves the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving of a load. This includes pulling on a rope or lever, as well as directly handling the load.
Potential Health Problems Associated with Manual Handling
- spinal injuries – the vast majority of back problems are caused by disc lesions. When upright, the back is able to withstand considerable stress directly through the length of the spine, but when the back is bent, the stress is concentrated at one point
|
- hernias – when the body is in a bent position the risk of hernia is increased
|
- cuts, abrasions and fractures, including; failing to check for sharp edges or nails when picking up a load, tripping over objects left lying around and, not wearing the correct protective clothing.
|
These problems could potentially be alleviated through:
- avoiding manual handling operations where possible
|
- assessing the risks of any unavoidable hazardous operations
|
- eliminating or controling the risk of injury, using an assessment as a basis for action
|
Barbour Resources
We offer a range of resources to help you create policy and communicate with the workforce, including regularly reviewed documents which provide technical guidance, and policy and risk assessment assistance.
FREE GuidePosted: July -
2010This Barbour Manual Handling Guide presents a clear overview of the subject and includes legal requirements, carrying out an assessment and key actions.
Click for more...
|
You can find out more about the Manual Handling Regulations, and how they affect your working environment and employees, through signing up for the Free Trial of our service. This gives you unrestricted access to all the relevant information about manual handling operations, plus all the other health and safety issues your organisation should be aware of.
|
|