Manual handling
Manual handling is the lifting, carrying, supporting or moving of heavy or bulky loads by hand or bodily force. It is the cause of over 30% of all injuries in MVR.
- use mechanical aids for heavy/awkward items and equipment, where possible
- use equipment designed to reduce the risk of strains and sprains eg. welding sets - see the free leaflet 'Choosing a welding set?' - INDG390
- otherwise, train employees to lift and carry loads safely
Mechanical aids are available for many MVR activities including:
- vehicle engines (removing/replacing) - engine hoist
- gear boxes (lowering/replacing) - scissor table
- commercial vehicle tyres/wheels - tyre/wheel trolley
- gas cylinders (transporting) - cylinder trolley
- oil drums (transporting/turning) - drum trolley
Further information
- Musculoskeletal disorders microsite
- Getting to grips with manual handling: A short guide for employers - INDG143
- Reducing ill health and accidents in motor vehicle repair: leaflet INDG356(rev1)
- The motor vehicle repair checklist can now be found in Reducing ill health and accidents in motor vehicle repair: leaflet INDG356(rev1)
