Manual handling at work

Carry out regular manual handling risk assessments and review them whenever tasks, equipment or work environments change.

Where possible, remove the need for manual handling altogether or find safer ways of completing the task.

For guidance on manual handling risk assessments, visit HSE’s manual handling at work webpage.

Employees should receive appropriate information, instruction and training to help them carry out manual handling tasks safely. They should understand:

• The risks associated with manual handling activities
• Safe ways of working
• How to use equipment correctly
• What to do if they identify a risk, hazard or concern

Training should be relevant to the tasks employees carry out and reinforced through appropriate supervision, workplace practices and refresher training where necessary.

However, training should not be relied upon as the sole control measure. Employers should first seek to eliminate hazardous manual handling tasks where possible or introduce workplace solutions that reduce the need for physical effort.

Visit the HSE website for more information about manual handling training.

Employees are often the first to identify problems with manual handling tasks.

Create opportunities for employees to:

• Report concerns
• Suggest improvements
• Highlight faulty equipment
• Report near misses and injuries

Find out more about communication in the workplace.

A positive reporting culture can help prevent injuries before they happen.

Using suitable equipment can help reduce the physical demands of manual handling tasks and lower the risk of injury.

When selecting equipment or workplace solutions, employers should consider:

• The task being carried out
• The load being moved
• The working environment
• How often the task is completed

The needs of employees, including those with health conditions, impairments or disabilities

Employees should be involved in identifying and testing solutions where possible, as they can provide valuable insight into what works in practice.

Any equipment provided should be regularly maintained, inspected and supported by appropriate instruction and training.

For more information, see HSE guidance on manual handling aids.

Preventing manual handling injuries should form part of a wider approach to supporting musculoskeletal health in the workplace.

Employers can help by:

• Encouraging employees to report aches, pains and discomfort early
• Designing work to reduce repetitive movements and awkward postures
• Supporting regular movement throughout the working day
• Promoting physical activity and workplace wellbeing initiatives
• Encouraging employees to seek support before problems worsen

Early intervention can help prevent minor discomfort from developing into long-term musculoskeletal problems.

Employees experiencing back pain, strains or other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions may need additional support to remain in work or return to work safely.

Support might include:

• Temporary changes to duties
• Workplace adjustments
• Reduced lifting requirements
• Access to occupational health services
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation support
• Phased returns to work where appropriate

Early support can improve recovery, reduce sickness absence and help employees stay in work.

Find out more about musculoskeletal health in the workplace and managing sickness absence.

The In-Work Support Service provides free support for employed and self-employed people experiencing mental health or musculoskeletal conditions.

Free confidential support is available for people who:

• Are absent from work because of a musculoskeletal or mental health condition
• Are struggling at work because of a musculoskeletal or mental health condition and need support to remain in work

Training and support are also available to employers to help improve workplace wellbeing and support employee health.

Find out more about the In-Work Support service.

Manual handling risks can change over time as workplaces, equipment and working practices evolve.

Employers should:

• Review risk assessments regularly
• Learn from incidents and near misses
• Monitor sickness absence related to MSK conditions
• Seek employee feedback
• Identify opportunities to improve work processes

Supporting musculoskeletal health is particularly important in an ageing workforce. Effective manual handling practices can help employees remain healthy, productive and in work for longer.

Regular review helps ensure that manual handling arrangements remain effective and continue to protect employee health and wellbeing.

Awareness campaigns can help reinforce key messages about safe manual handling, musculoskeletal health and injury prevention.

Consider promoting relevant internal health and wellbeing campaigns that encourage physical activity, healthy ageing and musculoskeletal health.

Campaigns include:

• World Day for Safety and Health at Work (28 April) – Raises awareness of preventing workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
• Bone and Joint Health Action Week (12 October) – Promotes musculoskeletal health and encourages prevention and early intervention.

Find campaigns to promote throughout the year.