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• Load weight
• Hand distance from lower back
• Carry distance
• Asymmetrical trunk/load
• Postural constraint
• Grip on load
• Floor surface
• Environmental factors
• Obstacles en route
• Other individual risk factors

Please read through the following assessment guide carefully. It gives advice on how to score the different factors involved in a carrying operation. After reading through the guide click the link at the bottom of the page to view the videos.

A Load weight Back to top Note the weight of the load and the frequency of the carrying operation. Read off risk banding on the load/frequency graph and enter the colour band and numerical score on the score sheet. If the colour band is purple the task should be examined very closely, such operations may represent a serious risk of injury and should come under close scrutiny, particularly when the entire weight of the load is carried by one person.
Score= 0 See Graph	Score= 4 See Graph	Score= 6 See Graph	Score=10 50kg or more

B Hand distance from lower back Back to top Observe the task and examine the position of the load and the operative's hands as the lift progresses. Use the following illustrations to guide your assessment:
Close- upper arms aligned vertically and upright trunk	Moderate - Upper arms angled away from body Moderate - Trunk bent forward	Far - upper arms angled away from body and trunk bent forward
Score= 0	Score= 3	Score= 6

C Asymmetrical trunk/load Back to top Operative's posture and the stability of the load are known to be risk factors which are associated with musculoskeletal injury. The following illustrations should guide your assessment.
Load and hands symmetrical in front of the trunk	Load and hands asymmetrical, upright body position	One handed carrying to the individual’s side
Score= 0	Score= 1	Score=2

D Postural constraint Back to top If the movements of the operative are unhindered, the colour band is green and the numerical score is 0. If the operative adopts restricted postures during the carry (eg narrow doorway making operative turn or move load to get through) the colour band is amber and the numerical score is 1. If the posture is heavily restricted, the colour band is red and the numerical score is 3 (eg carrying loads in a forward bent posture in areas with a low ceiling such as a cellar).
Score= 0	Score= 1	Score= 3

E Grip on load Back to top
Containers with well designed handles or handholds, fit for purpose. Loose parts enabling comfortable grip	Containers with poorer handles or handholds Fingers to be clamped at 90 degrees under the container	Containers of poor design. Loose parts, irregular objects, bulky or difficult to handle Non-rigid sacks or animate objects (animals and people)
Score= 0	Score= 1	Score= 2

F Floor surface Back to top
Dry and clean floor in good condition	Dry floor but poorer condition, worn or uneven	Contaminated/wet or steep sloping floor or unstable footing
Score=0	Score= 1	Score= 2

G Other environmental factors Back to top Observe the work environment and score if the lifting operation takes place: in extremes of temperature: with strong air movements: or in extreme lighting conditions (dark, bright or poor contrast). If the task involves more than one of the risk factors (ie extreme temperatures and strong air movements) total the scores on the score sheet.
No factors = 0	One factor = 1	Two factors or more = 2(3 factors=3)

H Carry distance Back to top Observe the task and estimate the total distance that the load is carried (not the distance 'as the crow flies').
2m - 4m Score= 0	4m - 10m Score= 1	10m or more Score= 3

I Obstacles en route Back to top Observe the route over which the carrying task is performed. If the route involves carrying a load up a steep slope or steps or around tripping hazards, enter A (amber) for the colour band and 2 for the numerical score on the score sheet. If the task involves carrying the load up ladders, enter R (red) for the colour band and 3 for the numerical score. If the task involves more than one of the risk factors (ie steep slope and then up ladders) total the scores on the score sheet. Enter the ladder height data and/or angle in the task description box on the score sheet.
Score= 0	Score= 2	Score= 3

 

Other individual risk factors Back to top Consider individual risk factors such as age and psychosocial risk factors like job control or opportunities for social interaction etc.

 

You now need to go to the previous page to: view the two video case studies carry out two online assessments Previous page

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