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   

• Use MAC tool (manual handling assessment chart) to identify high risk manual handling activities

Reduce the risk

• Provide Mechanical handling aids
  HSE videos illustrate mechanical solutions to some printing tasks.

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.

• Manual handling at work: A brief guide
• Are you making the best use of lifting and handling aids?
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended): Guidance on the Regulation
• Further guidance on manual handling and other musculoskeletal disorders