Tasks manual handling risk assessments

The three-stage approach of risk identification, risk assessment and risk control should be used. The control measures agreed on are then the requirements for particular manual handling tasks. 

State the % of manual handling tasks with formal written risk assessments 50 points for 100% compliance and pro rata ... 

The Regulations establish a clear hierarchy of measures to obviate the risk of injury when performing manual handling tasks. To summarise, manual handling operations which present a risk must be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable if these tasks cannot be avoided, then each task must be assessed and as a result of that assessment, the risk of injury must be reduced for each particular task identified so far as is reasonably practicable. 

What is required initially is not a full assessment of each of the tasks, but an appraisal of those manual handling operations which involve a risk that cannot be dismissed as trivial, to determine whether they can be avoided. If, as a result of the initial appraisal , manual handling operations which present a risk cannot be avoided, then a more detailed assessment of them will be a legal requirement. 

The views of staff and employees can be of particular use in identifying manual handling problems. Involvement in the assessment process should be encouraged, particularly in reporting problems associated with particular tasks. Records of accidents and ill-health are also valuable indicators of risk as are absentee records, poor productivity and morale, and excessive product damage. 

The aim of the assessment is to evaluate the risk associated with a particular task and identify control measures which can be implemented to remove or reduce it (which may include the use of handling devices and/or training). The assessments made under this requirement vrill have to be written down for all but the simplest of tasks or where the task is straightforward, of low risk, lasting only a short time and the time needed to record it would be disproportionate. Relevant assessments will have to be kept readily available and where a safety policy has been prepared (to comply with Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974) employers should outline their general policy and arrangements for manual handling in it. 

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