Introduction
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002) apply to a wide range of manual handling activities at work. The regulation define manual handling as…
"..the transporting or supporting of a load (include lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying of moving of a load) by hand or bodily force. "
A load may be either an inanimate object, such as a box or trolley, or an animate object, such as a person or animal.
Incorrect manual handling can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The term 'musculoskeletal disorders' covers…
"..any injury, damage or disorder of the joints or other tissues in the upper/lower limbs or the back."
These disorders account for more than a third of all work-related illnesses and can occur to any individual in any occupation, including offices, laboratories, libraries and maintenance.
Although manual handling injuries can be caused by intense or strenuous activities or unexpected events, such as a fall, often this isn't the case - Unfortunately, most occur as a result of cumulative strain, i.e. gradual wear and tear caused by day to day tasks, with the person not feeling the pain until several hours after the injury. In rare cases, this can result in long-term debilitating sickness.
Factors leading to cumulative strain are:
- Excessive tension continued from day to day
- Lack of variety of movement in the task
- Excessive and/or prolonged muscle tension or force
- Awkward body postures
- Insufficient rest between periods of work
- Repetition of the task
Procedures for the assessment of manual handling operations are available at the University; these assessments are a key factor in managing the prevention and control of manual handling injuries.
Training in correct manual handling is also available to all University staff. This can be arranged through the Health & Safety Unit.
Individuals must not carry out or be given any manual handling work which is beyond their capabilities or experience. Always use any equipment provided and if in doubt obtain assistance.
If an individual experiences adverse symptoms, such as pains in a joint or the back, these pains should be reported to their Supervisor/Manager and Health & Safety Local Officer to enable arrangements for treatment if necessary and possible modification to the work.
Duties
The university (employer) is required to:
- As far as reasonably practicable, have arrangements in place to avoid the need for manual handling
- Assess the risk of injury from manual handling that can't be avoided and review this assessment if there is reason to suggest it is no longer valid, or there have been significant changes to the manual handling activity.
- As far as reasonably practicable, where manual handling can't be avoided, reduce the risk of injury from manual handling
- Monitor any procedures in place or introduced to reduce the risk from manual handling and act upon any findings to implement further improvements where reasonably practicable
- Provide training and information to employees, including specific information about any loads they may handle.
It is important to take an ergonomic approach when looking at Manual handling activities. Therefore, assessments should include consideration of the task; the load; the working environment and; the individual capability of those carrying out the task. An assessment should be carried out by the person, or team of people, familiar with and / or directly involved with the task being assessed.
Responsibilities
Faculty Operating Officers and Directors of Professional Services must:
- Ensure that manual handling tasks are taken into account during risk assessment activities
- Reduce the need for manual handling as far as reasonably practicable in areas under their control
- Ensure that suitable and sufficient resources are available to enable manual handling tasks to be carried out with minimal risk
- Provide appropriate and suitable equipment such as trolleys or sack trucks to minimise the risk of injury through manual handling
- Provide suitable personal protective equipment if required
- Refer individuals to occupational health if informed of health problems related to manual handling
- Arrange relevant training for individuals or groups where required
Staff Must:
- Use any equipment / system of work provided, to reduce the risk of manual handling injury
- Attend manual handling training if required
- Bring any problems relating to manual handling to the attention of Supervisors or Line Managers
- Not attempt to lift or move any containers or objects which may be beyond their capabilities
Students must:
- Follow and comply with any local rules regarding manual handling
- Use any equipment provided for the transportation and moving of materials and equipment
The Health & Safety Unit will:
- Provide advice and guidance on manual handling issues
- Provide manual handling training on request
- Review and revise University manual handling procedures as necessary to ensure compliance with current legislation
Guidance on manual handling associated with various activities accompany this code of practice
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