Manual-handling risk depends on the task, load and working conditions. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) provides guidance on assessing that risk and choosing measures to avoid or reduce it.
LiftRite supplies lifting and handling equipment that can form part of those measures, selected around the load and workplace.
Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 covers manual handling of loads.
Regulation 69 requires employers to use appropriate organisational measures or means, particularly mechanical equipment, to avoid the need for manual handling.
Where handling cannot be avoided, assess the load, posture, frequency, grip, working area and other relevant risk factors. Use that assessment to select engineering and organisational controls and review the work method.
There are no longer any absolute weight limits – for the simple reason that there are too many other factors involved – these risk factors have already been covered.
KEY RISK FACTORS ARE:
However, this diagram indicates guideline weights for lifting and lowering for an adult male (fit and healthy) in the best working conditions. For a female all weights should be reduced by one third.
If a lifting task includes twisting there is a considerable increase in the chance of injury.
These guideline weights assume up to 30 leisurely operations an hour – where the pace of work is not forced, there are adequate pauses to rest and the load is not held for any length of time.
The weights must be reduced if the operation is repeated more frequently
Employers have to seriously look for ways of eliminating manual handling in all cases.
Wherever practical they must be provided – they can be as simple as a sack trolley. Any necessary training in their use must be provided.
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