Getting to Grips: page 3

Avoiding manual handling

Check whether you need to move it at all

For example:

• does a large workpiece really need to be moved, or can the activity (eg wrapping or machining) safely be done where the item already is?
• can you take the treatment to the patient, not vice versa?
• can raw materials be piped to their point of use?

Consider automation, particularly for new processes Think about mechanisation and using handling aids

For example:

• a conveyor;
• a pallet truck;
• an electric or hand-powered hoist;
• a lift truck.

But beware of new hazards from automation or mechanisation.

For example:

• automated plant still needs cleaning, maintenance etc;
• lift trucks must be suited to the work and have properly trained operators.

Assessing and reducing the risk of injury

Who should make the assessment?

The assessment is the employer’s responsibility. You should be able to do most assessments in-house. You, your employees and safety representatives know your business better than anyone. Most situations will require just a few minutes’ observation to identify ways to make the activity easier and less risky, ie less physically demanding. Later in this booklet you will find easy-to-use guidelines to help decide whether there are risky lifting activities where a full assessment is required. Advice from outside experts may be helpful in difficult or unusual cases, or to get you started. See Table 1 for the kind of problems to look for.

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