The tasks
When thinking about manual handling tasks consider the following:
Do they involve:
- holding loads away from the body?
- twisting, stooping or reaching upwards?
- large vertical movement?
- long carrying distances?
- strenuous pushing or pulling?
- repetitive handling?
- insufficient rest or recovery time?
- a work rate imposed by a process?
Can you control the risks associated with the task by:
- use a lifting aid?
- improve workplace layout to improve efficiency?
- reduce the amount of twisting and stooping?
- avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height, especially heavy loads?
- reduce carrying distances?
- avoid repetitive handling?
- vary the work, allowing one set of muscles to rest while another is used?
- push rather than pull?