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• Load weight
• Hand distance from lower back
• Vertical lift region
• Trunk twisting/sideways bending
• Postural constraint
• Grip on load
• Floor surface
• Environmental factors
• Communication and co-ordination
• 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 team handling 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 number of operatives performing the task. The weight of the load and number of operatives should be known. 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 reporesent a serious risk of injury and should come under close scrutiny, particularly when the entire weight of the load is supported by the team.
2 person <35kg 3 person <40kg	2 person 35-40kg 3 person 40-75kg 4 person 40-100kg	2 person 50-85kg 3 person 75-125kg 4 person 100-170kg	2 person >85kg 3 person >125kg 4 person >170kg
Score= 0	Score= 4	Score= 6	Score=10

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 Vertical lift region Back to top Observe the position of the load at the start of the lift and as the lift progresses. Use the following illustrations as a guide:
Lift from above knee and or below elbow height	Lift from below knee and or below elbow height	Lift from floor level or below Lift at head height or above
Score= 0	Score= 1	Score= 3

D Trunk twisting and sideways bending Back to top Observe the operative's trunk as the load is lifted. If the trunk twists in relation to the hips and thighs OR if the operative leans to one side as the load is lifted the colour band is amber and the numerical score is 1. If the trunk both twists and bends to the side as the load is lifted the colour band is red and the numerical score is 2.
Little or no twisting or sideways bending	Twisting or sideways bending	Trunk twisting and sideways bending
Score= 0	Score= 1	Score=2

E Postural constraints Back to top If the movements of the operatives are unhindered, the colour band is green and the numerical score is 0. If the operatives adopt restricted postures during the lift because of the space available (eg narrow gap between pallet load and hopper) or the workstation design (eg an excessively high monorail conveyor), the colour band is amber and the numerical score is 1. If the postures are heavily restricted, the colour band is red and the numerical score is 3 (eg work in confined areas such as baggage holds).
None	Restricted posture	Heavily restricted
Score= 0	Score= 1	Score= 3

F 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= 3

G 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

H Other environmetal 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.
Extreme temperatures	Strong air movements	Inadequate lighting conditions
No factors=0	One factor = 1	Two factors or more = 2

I Communication and co-ordination Back to top Communication between the operatives is essential when lifting as part of a team. Examples of good communication would be that you may hear the operatives counting 'one, two, three' etc prior to the lift. When lifting the object look to see if the load is lifted smoothly and that team members lift together.
Good	Reasonable	Poor
Score= 0	Score= 1	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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