The individual

When thinking about the individuals who will carry out the manual handling tasks consider the following:

Does the job:

  • require unusual capability, eg above average strength or agility?
  • endanger those with a health problem or learning/physical disability?
  • endanger pregnant women?
  • call for special information or training?

Can you:

  • pay particular attention to those who have a physical weakness?
  • take extra care of pregnant workers?
  • give your employees more information, eg about the range of tasks they are likely to face?
  • provide more training (see ‘What about training?’)
  • get advice from an occupational health advisor if you need to?