Introduction

All handling of objects, people and animals carries a risk of injury for the handler and others.

More than a quarter of the accidents reported to the enforcing agencies are associated with manual handling – the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force.

Lifting implies that you are taking most or all of the full weight of the object. This results in severe stress on the soft tissues of the spine, ligaments and discs, so it can lead to injury. Injury can result in staff being absent from work.

Recurrent problems will affect the individual’s ability to continue working, their social and home life.

Severe injury may lead to the individual not being able to continue in their chosen profession and leave. Research (HSE, RoSPA) has shown that the repeated use of incorrect lifting techniques to move loads, and working in stressful postures increases the likelihood of injury to the spine.

In light of this research and evidence gathered from injury statistics, legislation is now in place, outlining measures and responsibilities for both employer and employee to be taken to manage the problems associated with manual handling.