Details
Manual handling in some form is required in almost every occupational setting. Over 30% of accidents at work in Ireland are categorised by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) as resulting from handling and lifting. The main concern with manual handling activity is the increased risk of injury due to wear and tear on the back. Back injuries can be painful and educe one's mobility, which may lead to long absences from work.
The legal requirements for Manual Handling Risk Assessments
The Manual Handling of Loads Regulations 2007 (Part 2, Chapter 4 of the General Application Regulations 2007) lay down the minimum health and safety requirements for the manual handling of loads in the workplace. Part 2 takes a wide-ranging approach to manual handling, requiring employers to avoid manual handling where possible, to carry out risk assessments, to provide appropriate mechanisation and to ensure that adequate training in manual handling is given to employees.
What are Manual Handling Risk Assessments?
The Nifast approach to this type of assessment involves:
- The assessor reviewing the work area layout and the characteristics of specific tasks carried out in the work area, including weight of loads, frequency of handling the tasks and nature of loads
- Environment assessment of lighting and temperature, an assessment of working space constraints
- The assessor will also consider the training received by those carrying out the manual handling tasks and the system of work implemented
- Nifast provide a final report, which includes the findings of the assessment and any recommendations or suggestions that may assist in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This report is intended to assist in reducing the possibility of accidents and ill health by bringing identified hazards to the attention of the organisation
- Where appropriate, photographs will be included in the report to illustrate hazards.
How Nifast consultancy can help with Manual Handling Risk Assessments
Our services allows you access to one or more of Nifast's professional full-time safety consultants who can advise your organisation on their Manual Handling Risk Assessment needs.
Consultants can act as 'competent persons' and work with staff in your organisation to ensure that there is a good awareness, controls and active recommendations in place appropriate to the nature of your business.
Note: Nifast provides a "Manual Handling Instructor" Training course on both a public and in-company basis. Please contact us for details.
Do you need Manual Handling Risk Assessments undertaken in your workplace?
- Is manual handling conducted in the workplace?
- Are you in line with minimum legislative requirements in this area?
- Are any of your employees reporting back pain or off work as a result of a manual handling injury?
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