What activities does an employer need to assess?

All the work activities which involve the moving of loads by:

• lifting
• pushing
• pulling
• carrying
• bending
• twisting
• repetitive movement
• where over reaching might be involved.

What should an employer consider when making an assessment?

All the points below should be considered when making an assessment:

• the nature of the task
• the nature of the load
• the working environment
• the physical ability of the individual(s)

What is a simple routine for lifting a load?

The routine is as follows:

1. Keep your back straight
2. tuck in your chin
3. keep your feet as close to the load as possible, with them slightly apart and one foot slightly more forward than the other
4. bend your knees and crouch to the load
5. get a firm grip on the load using the whole of your hand, not just your fingers
6. keep your elbows well tucked in
7. lift the load using your legs in a smooth controlled way, raising the load and then move forward.

What about lowering the load?

Do the reverse of the above procedure but also take care not to trap your fingers.

Further Information

Useful publications available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA. Tel 01787 881165, fax: 01787 313995:

• HSG 115 Manual Handling. Solutions you can handle. ISBN 0717606937. £7.95.
• INDG 143 Getting to grips with Manual Handling (one free) or direct from:
  http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf
• INDG 146 Manual Handling (one free).