Every year, over a third of all reported workplace injuries lasting over 3 days happen while people are handling, lifting or carrying loads. Most injuries caused by manual handling are to the back, though injury to other body parts - either from handling or dropping heavy loads - is common.

Manual handling is something that occurs a lot in all work environments. Since even minor movements can cause problems if they're repeated frequently or if the wrong handling technique is adopted, it's a hazard that is often misjudged.

The definition of manual handling is still very broad, and the range of injuries associated with it is potentially wide. The risks to health from manual handling fall within three main categories.
1. Musculoskeletal injuries (ie those concerning the muscular or skeletal system of the body) occurring when the effort required to handle the load is too great for some part of the handler's body.
2. Injuries caused by the load falling onto or trapping part of the handler or someone nearby.
3. Injuries caused by the handler falling, perhaps against the load or other objects.

What can we do for you ?

Undertake assessments to consider all operations that pose a threat of injury to employees by considering the task, the individual, the load, the working environment and take all reasonable steps to reduce the level of risk to the lowest level.