Manual Handling Operations

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 Management of Health and Safety at Work (Amendment) Regulations 1994 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992... 

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (Manual Handling Regulations)... 

In taking steps to avoid hazardous manual handling operations, first check whether the load needs to be moved or whether the following operation can be carried out next to the load. Consideration should be given to automation, particularly if new processes are involved and can be incorporated at an early stage, or mechanisation such as the use of a fork lift tmck. However, care must be taken to avoid creating new hazards which may arise through the use of automation or mechanisation. 

State the three measures to be taken to reduce the risk to employees under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations. 

The protection of hands from injuries that may result from cuts, abrasions, bums, and from manual handling operations and extremes of temperature. The protection commonly used includes gloves and gauntlets. 

The philosophy of risk management that an entity will not enter into an operation that poses an exposure of loss or wiU eliminate the exposure to a potential loss. An example is the replacement of a manual handling operation by a mechanical handling system. Primarily used in the risk management practices for corporate cost benefits in the analysis of insurance applications. 

Manual handling. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Guidance on the Regulations Workplace health, safety and welfare. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice and guidance. 

Over one third of all reported lost-time absences are attributed to injuries caused by manual handling. This problem is common across Europe and has resulted in a Directive aimed at reducing this toll. In the UK the contents of the Directive are contained in The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR). 

In other words, if the risk of injury is very small compared to the cost, time and effort required to reduce the risk, then no action is necessary. It is important to note that money, time and trouble must grossly outweigh not balance the risk. This duty requires judgement on the part of the employer (or his adviser) and clearly needs a risk assessment to be undertaken with conclusions noted. Continual monitoring is also required to ensure that risks do not increase. There are numerous examples of this level of duty, including the Manual Handling Operations Regulations and The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. 

The method statement should take into account the conclusions of risk assessments made under the Management, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations. It can also help other contractors working on a site to understand the effects work will have on them. It can help the principal contractor to draw up the construction phase safety plan. 

Until a few years ago, accidents caused by the manual handling of loads were the largest single cause of over three-day accidents reported to the HSE. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations recognized this fact... 

The assessment must be reviewed if there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid or there has been a significant change to the manual handling operations to which it relates. 

The working environment in which the manual handling operation is to take place, must be considered during the assessment. The following areas will need... 

Mechanical assistance involves the use of mechanical aids to assist the manual handling operation such as hand-powered hydraulic hoists, specially adapted trolleys, hoist for lifting patients and roller conveyors. 

Finally, it needs to be stressed that if injuries involving manual handling operations are to be avoided, planning, control and effective supervision are essential. 

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