Do you have to move heavy or awkward loads?
- Do you suffer from sprains, strains and pains?
- Does lifting and carrying involve strenuous pushing, pulling or reaching?
- Is there repetitive handling?
- Do you have to carry objects or awkward loads across long distances?
- Do you have repetitive finger, hand or arm movements?
- Is there twisting, squeezing, hammering or pounding?
Manual handling is transporting or supporting loads by hand or by bodily force. Many people hurt their back, arms, hands or feet. One bad lift can cause injury and cumulative damage can build up over time - even with lighter loads. More than a third of all over-three-day injuries reported each year to HSE and to local authorities are the result of manual handling.
The employer should avoid the need for hazardous manual handling, as far as reasonably practicable. Assess the risk from any hazardous manual handling that cannot be avoided. Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling as far as reasonably practicable.
The following leaflet provides helpful additional information. Single copies are available from the City Council or for larger numbers contact the HSE.
- Getting to grips with manual handling
- A health and safety handbook for business is available from the council
CONTACTS
- Cambridge City Council - 01223 457900
- HSE books - 01787 881165
If you have any general comments or enquiries please email them to
Environmental Services or contact us at Mandela House, 4 Regent Street,
Cambridge CB2 1BY. Tel: 01223 457900