Manual Handling – risk prevention

It’s not about how much you can lift; it’s how you plan the lift. Thomas Rhodes, from SMAS Worksafe, highlights some of the key considerations when manual handling.

Scaffolding is complex and important work across a multitude of industries, with the variety and types of scaffold ranging extensively. Time is a precious commodity when it comes to installing and dismantling structures. Clients may set time restrictions around the work or alter their requirements at the last minute.

In 2017/18 the HSE reported there were 469,000 workers suffering from workrelated musculoskeletal disorders, with 156,000 new cases reported.

This meant there was 6.6 million workdays lost across industry.

When undertaking a risk assessment for manual handling operations, it is helpful to use the TILE acronym, as detailed in the Manual Handling Operations Regulation 1992:

TASK

Does the task involve:

Carrying loads away from the body?

Twisting, stooping or reaching upwards?

Excessive movement of the load?

Frequent or prolonged physical effort?

Insufficient rest and recovery periods?

INDIVIDUAL

Does the task:

Require unusual strength or height?

Create a hazard to those with a health problem?

Require special information or training?