Better Backs 2007 Speakers notes – Manual handling – what the law requires

Back to campaign pack

Slide 1

This presentation is part of the Better Backs pack and is aimed to provide information about the legal requirements of health and safety law concerning manual handling.

Slide 2

The main requirements are the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) which have been in force since 1993.

There are also duties under other law – the main ones being:

General duties in the Health and Safety at Work Act – to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable the health, safety and welfare at work of employees – there are similar duties for the self employed.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 contain a variety of general duties fpr example risk assessment (which applies where activities are outside the scope of MHOR), new and expectant mothers, training and so on.

Slide 3

This is the definition of manual handling from MHOR - it goes far beyond just lifting.

Slide 4

This is another definition from MHOR which defines the term load and excludes the use of tools or machines while in use for their intended purpose - but not when being carried to the point of use. When they are used as intended HSW and MHSWR apply.

Slide 5

Note that the term “injury” in MHOR excludes injuries caused by substances in or on the load. This doesn’t mean that possibility should not be considered, just that should there be an incident as a result any enforcement activity would not be taken under MHOR. However, if there is a spillage that causes a slipping hazard then the Workplace Regs will apply see slide 10.

Slide 6

Booklet L23 The older version of the guidance has someone carrying a red box on the front cover.

The new version contains detailed advice about the law, and updates on lifting techniques, pushing and pulling guidelines for stopping and starting, assessment, and checklists

Information sheet 2 in the pack Getting to grips with manual handling, a short guide gives help on assessment, pushing and pulling, handling technique and the law.

Slide 7

We have looked at some definitions – so what about control measures – the main requirements of the Regulations?

This is the hierarchy of measures under Regulation 4 of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)

Avoid - So far as is reasonably practical avoid hazardous manual handling

Assess - Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of tasks where avoidance of manual handling is not reasonably practicable. (Schedule 1 of the Regulations lists things that need to be included in an assessment) and there are examples of asst re push/pull as well as lifting etc.

Reduce - take appropriate steps to reduce the risk risk to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable

Review - the assessment to keep it up to date - so this needs doing when the controls have been applied, also where there has been injury, illness or onset of disability. Can risk be further reduced?

Slide 8

This shows how the Workplace Regulations apply to workstations – the workstation and seating need to be suitable. The Regulations require provision of suitable workstations and seats – with footrests where needed.

(You may wish to refer to the notes below if more detail is required.)

Reg 11(1) workstation. The Approved Code of Practice, (ACOP) specifies-Task can be carried out safely and comfortably; worker at a suitable height in relation to work surface; materials, equipment and controls in each reach, without undue bending or stretching; suitable for special needs of individual worker (inc those with disabilities); adequate freedom of movement and ability to stand up; minimise periods of unavoidable cramped work.

11(3) a suitable seat shall be provided for each person at work in the workplace whose work includes operations of a kind that the work (or a substantial part of it) can or must be done sitting.

11(4) seat not suitable unless suitable for the person for whom it is provided as well as the operations performed;

suitable footrest is provided where necessary.

Slide 9

Where handling involves the discharge of material from sacks spillage can increase handling risks and Reg 12 will apply

Slide 10

Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992

Regulations 4 and 5

Reg 4(3)ensure that work equipment is used only for operations which, and under conditions which, it is suitable.

4(4) ‘suitable means suitable in any respect which it is reasonably foreseeable will affect the health and safety of any person

Slide 11

MHOR does not have a training regulation but Reg 4(3) requires that training needs to be taken into account when considering the risk of injury and considering the appropriate steps to reduce the risk.

There are no set or certified courses but the Better Backs campaign pack includes information sheet 8 Manual handling training courses.

Acknowledge some poor providers out there as that will be a common comment.

Slide 12