Getting to Grips: page 5

Problems to look for when making an assessment

Ways of reducing the risk of injury

• ■ holding loads away from the body?
• ■ twisting, stooping or reaching upwards?
• ■ large vertical movement?
• ■ long carrying distances?
• ■ strenuous pushing or pulling?
• ■ repetitive handling?
• ■ insufficient rest or recovery time?
• ■ a work rate imposed by a process?

• ■ use a lifting aid?
• ■ improve workplace layout to improve efficiency?
• ■ reduce the amount of twisting and stooping?
• ■ avoid lifting from floor level or above shoulder height, especially heavy loads?
• ■ reduce carrying distances?
• ■ avoid repetitive handling?
• ■ vary the work, allowing one set of muscles to rest while another is used?
• ■ push rather than pull?

• ■ heavy, bulky or unwieldy?
• ■ difficult to grasp?
• ■ unstable or likely to move unpredictably (like animals)?
• ■ harmful, eg sharp or hot?
• ■ awkwardly stacked?
• ■ too large for the handler to see over?

• ■ lighter or less bulky?
• ■ easier to grasp?
• ■ more stable?
• ■ less damaging to hold? If the load comes in from elsewhere, have you asked the supplier to help, eg provide handles or smaller packages?

• ■ constraints on posture?
• ■ bumpy, obstructed or slippery floors?
• ■ variations in levels?
• ■ hot/cold/humid conditions?
• ■ gusts of wind or other strong air movements?
• ■ poor lighting conditions?
• ■ restrictions on movements or posture from clothes or personal protective equipment (PPE)?

• ■ remove obstructions to free movement?
• ■ provide better flooring?
• ■ avoid steps and steep ramps?
• ■ prevent extremes of hot and cold?
• ■ improve lighting?
• ■ provide protective clothing or PPE that is less restrictive?
• ■ ensure your employees’ clothing and footwear is suitable for their work?