Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

10.3.3 Reducing the risk of injury 
This involves the introduction of control measures result-
ing from the manual handling risk assessment. The guid-
ance to the Regulations (L23) and the HSE publication 
Manual Handling
– 
solutions you can handle
(HSG 115) 
contain many ideas to reduce the risk of injury from 
manual handling operations. An ergonomic approach, 
discussed in detail in Chapter 15, is generally required 
to design and develop the manual handling operation as 
a whole. The control measures can be grouped under 
fi ve headings. However, the fi rst consideration, when it 
is reasonably practicable, is mechanical assistance.
Mechanical assistance
involves the use of mechan-
ical aids to assist the manual handling operation such 
as hand-powered hydraulic hoists, specially adapted 
trolleys, hoists for lifting patients and roller conveyors. 
The 
task
can be improved by changing the layout 
of the workstation by, for example, storing frequently 
used loads at waist level. The removal of obstacles and 
the use of a better lifting technique that relies on the leg 
rather than back muscles should be encouraged. When 
pushing, the hands should be positioned correctly. The 
work routine should also be examined to see whether job 
Figure 10.4
HSE guidance for manual lifting – recommended weights.

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Manual and mechanical handling hazards and control
147
rotation is being used as effectively as it could be. Special 
attention should be paid to seated manual handlers to 
ensure that loads are not lifted from the fl oor while they 
are seated. Employees should be encouraged to seek 
help if a diffi cult load is to be moved so that a team 
of people can move the load. Adequate and suitable 
personal protective equipment should be provided where 
there is a risk of loss of grip or injury. Care must be taken 
to ensure that the clothing does not become a hazard in 
itself (e.g. the snagging of fasteners and pockets).
The 
load
should be examined to see whether it 
could be made lighter, smaller or easier to grasp or 
manage. This could be achieved by splitting the load, the 
positioning of handholds or a sling, or ensuring that the 
centre of gravity is brought closer to the handler’s body. 
Attempts should be made to make the load more stable 
and any surface hazards, such as slippery deposits or 
sharp edges, should be removed. It is very important to 
ensure that any improvements do not, inadvertently, lead 
to the creation of additional hazards. 
The