Manual Handling Risk Assessment
Protect workers from risk factors using a manual handling risk assessment tool
Protect workers from risk factors using a manual handling risk assessment tool
Published 24 May 2022
Similar to a regular risk assessment, a manual handling risk assessment is carried out to identify and evaluate risk factors. Specifically activities of lifting, putting down, carrying, moving, and handling objects during work operations. It is primarily carried out by health and safety officers. Once a manual handling risk assessment is completed, health and safety workers work to develop processes and preventive measures. Assessing manual handling risks is crucial to protect workers from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), increase job satisfaction, and improve quality of work.
A manual handling risk assessment is used to identify hazards that may cause musculoskeletal injuries to workers when they perform manual handling. Use this template to evaluate the load capacity of an item and identify the risks while carrying or lifting loads. Capture photo hazards and annotate them to highlight the issues encountered. Assign corrective actions to the authorized person or team to review and implement remedial actions. This manual handling risk assessment template includes gathering the following information:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that a third of workplace injuries are caused by manual handling. HSE warns workers and employers to avoid manual handling if possible to prevent injuries. In situations where manual handling cannot be avoided, it is recommended to mitigate the risk of injury by putting safety measures in place. One such safety measure is to conduct a risk assessment for every task that can potentially be risky or hazardous.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 aims to protect the personnel in charge of manual handling activities such as lifting and lowering. This amendment covers areas for health and safety measures as well. These measures are divided into 3 parts. First is to avoid manual handling activities as much as possible. Second is to do a risk assessment of any manual handling activities that can’t be avoided. Lastly, reduce risks and eliminate any possible workplace injury.
Risk assessments are considered to be a normal process to have a successful manual handling operation. As previously stated, businesses are required to carry out a manual handling risk assessment when there’s possible risk of injury. They are responsible for establishing processes and preventive measures from the results. Every type of risk assessment has something in common. Here are the steps adapted from HSA’s guide on how to conduct a manual handling risk assessment:
When performing manual handling risk assessments, the assessor mainly focuses on the 4 key areas of manual handling which is often referred to as the acronym TILE (Task, Individual, Load, and Environment), this can also be referred to as LITE. In some safety circles, “other factors” have been identified as another key area for evaluating manual handling risks, turning the assessment method into TILEO (Task, Individual, Load, Environment, and Other factors).
A hazard in manual handling usually means any source that can expose workers to the risk of MSDs and other injuries. Upon identifying hazardous manual handling, assess the risks and mitigate them according to the hierarchy of controls. The most common moving and manual handling hazards as categorized by TILEO:
Generally, the risk factors for manual handling follow the principle of direct correlation. For example, if the frequency, magnitude, or duration of hazardous manual handling increases, then the risk of being injured also increases, as well as the need for more effective control measures or higher levels in the hierarchy of controls. According to SafeWork Australia, the characteristics of hazardous manual tasks involve:
Assessing and mitigating manual handling risks are just the beginning. Easily demonstrate how you value your employees’ safety and build a safety culture from the ground up with iAuditor by SafetyCulture, a manual handling risk assessment tool that can help you perform the following:
Get started by downloading this free collection of customizable manual handling risk assessment templates and modify them according to your business needs.
A manual handling risk assessment template is used by managers or shift supervisors to help identify the risk for all workers who perform manual handling, lifting, and carrying of loads. This template includes observation tips to assist the supervisor when inspecting workers performing manual tasks. Use the color coded risk rating reference to rate the overall risk level of the manual handling activity. Perform observations with iAuditor to assess the position of the operative’s hands at the start of the lift and as the lift progresses. Check the route, distance, and other environmental factors to help identify the manual handling risks. Use iAuditor to generate comprehensive web reports even while on site.
A manual handling assessment is used to assess the general safety of all employees before commencing work. This assessment can help evaluate if the workers are knowledgeable, trained, and practices safe lifting techniques. This Manual Handling Assessment also checks if load materials are labeled with their weight and are easy to grasp and carry. Use iAuditor to conduct digital assessments and generate comprehensive reports anytime anywhere.
This moving and handling risk assessment is used to evaluate the risks of manual handling practices performed during team operations. Observe the number of workers performing the task and if the weight of the load is properly distributed to each team member. Use iAuditor to capture photo references and generate reports even if you’re offline.
Browse this collection of free Ergonomic Assessment Templates converted using iAuditor to ensure that the workers and their working environments are maximized for comfort and with the minimal risk of injury. These ergonomic checklists can help assess if your workplace complies with ergonomic safety. You can depend on the iAuditor app for your assessments even if your mobile devices are offline.
You can perform your HSE Risk Assessments using this template to help manage the health and safety hazards at your workplace. This checklist covers: identifying observed potential/existing hazards and assessing the risk level and providing control measures. Use iAuditor’s Analytics to monitor and review planned control measures and identify the frequently high-risk items to better manage the risks in the workplace.