21. Health and safety manual handling

from Contract for Services Handbook 2022

18. Complaints

Temporary worker responsibilities Every Temporary Worker has a legal duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of other persons who may be affected by their actions and/or omissions. In particular, every Temporary Worker has a duty to: a) Observe the Hirer’s Health and Safety Policy at all times and ask for sight of the Policy before starting any assignment; b) Take care to follow any safety regulations, including wearing the correct PPE required for the assignment; c) Be responsible not only for your own health and safety at work but also take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons (e.g. other Temporary Workers, contractors, customers, workmen, etc.), who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work; d) Never misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interest of health, safety or welfare; e) Never operate/handle equipment for which they have not been trained; f) Immediately report any perceived hazard or risk, accident, injury, dangerous occurrence or damage to property to their Line Manager; g) Co-operate fully in the investigation of accidents.

As the majority of roles will include some aspect of manual handling we have detailed some important information for you. Manual handling regulations cover the tasks involving supporting or transporting loads by physical human effort. You should familiarise yourself with good handling techniques as hazards are not only presented by heavy loads. There is no particular maximum weight specified in the regulations, which recognise the fact that whilst weight is evidently a significant factor, there are other considerations of equal importance.

The basic rule of manual handling on your assignment is “think before you lift”. Please remember all of the following and, if in doubt, then ask. a) You must inform your Line Manager if you have had a previous history of back pain. b) Stop and think before you lift. Ensure that you have enough of space and be aware of any obstructions. Don’t lift unless you have to! c) Get help if the load is beyond your capacity, don’t try to lift it on your own. d) Look out for sharp edges, nails, wires and splinters. e) Stand close to the load, feet slightly apart, one in front of the other to balance the load;. f) Bend your knees. g) Keep the back upright (this maintains the spine’s natural curves) and lift with the legs. h) Keep the shoulders level and in the same direction as the hips. i) Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible and do not twist when turning to one side. j) If you need to position the load, put it down first then slide it into the desired position