Manual handling in the printing industry
What you need to know
Manual handling activities such as lifting and carrying, pushing and pulling cause most injuries in the printing industry. The law requires employers to;
- Avoid manual handling where possible
- Assess the risks from manual handling
- Reduce the risk
- Provide Training
What you need to do
Risk assessment
Reduce the risk
Examples of mechanical aids for printing
- Scissor lifts and elevating tables at folders and guillotines
- Pile turners and joggers to reduce hand turning or knocking up
- Free running or mechanical conveyors
- Swing arm hoists and slings at reelstands
- Reel conveyor trolleys
- Cylinder and roller trolleys
- Reel shaft trolley
- Sack trucks
Reduce Load size/ weight
Leaflets IACL105 and IACL106 provide specific advice on bundle weight for those involved in the production, distribution, and sale of newspapers and magazines.
- Reorganise/ redesign tasks to reduce effort
- Improve layout/ alter workstation height
- Check adequate space and reasonable temperature
Provide training to employees on the following
- How manual handling causes injury
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
- How to identify unsafe practices
- Appropriate systems of work for handling
- Correct use of aids
- Appropriate handling techniques.
Find out more
The following HSE guidance is available to assist employers identify hazardous operations and start their risk assessment.
