Risk Assessment

On the 1st of January 1993 the Manual Handling Operations Regulations came into force. The Regulations are made under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (the HSW Act). They implement European Directive 90/269/EEC on the manual handling of loads; supplement the general duties placed on employers and others by the HSW Act and the broad requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992; and replace a number of earlier, outdated legal provisions.
Regulation 4(1)(b)(i) requires that -

Each employer shall-
where it is not reasonably practicable to avoid the need for his employees to undertake any manual handling operations at work which involve a risk of being injured -

(i) make a suitable and sufficient assessment of all such manual handling operations to be undertaken by them, having regard to the factors which are specified in column 1 of schedule 1 to these Regulations and considering the questions which are specified in the corresponding entry in column 2 of that schedule.

Source: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, HSE, ISBN 0-7176-2415-3

Why Assessment?

Over the last twenty years or so there has been a considerable amount of research carried out in leading industrialised nations in an attempt to clarify what men and women can handle safely. Although this research is continuing what it has clearly shown is that there are many factors that interact when a manual task is carried out. The way in which these factors interact depend upon the type of manual operation carried out, and the manner in which it is carried out. For example, the stresses within the body vary with rate of application of force - is the force exerted quickly or slowly? - and with the bodily posture adopted. What may be 'safe' when carried out slowly and smoothly may be likely to cause injury when carried out jerkily and quickly in an unstable position. What may be 'safe' with the back in an erect position may be dangerous when stooping over. A given force may be acceptable if it is applied only once during the working day, but be likely to cause injury if it has to be applied repeatedly. One worker may be twice as strong as another. For all these reasons, and others it is not possible to lay down maximum weights or forces, nor can definitive guidance be given to cover every eventuality. However, there is sufficient research knowledge to allow generally applicable criteria to be established on safe handling capacities.

It's easier Than You Think

Many employers find the prospect of carrying out a thorough risk assessment a daunting one. It need not be if it is approached in a planned and methodical manner. It is worth pointing out that nobody knows your business like you do, therefore the knowledge is already in place. It is just a matter of applying the new-found knowledge of correct manual handling techniques to your particular working environment. It should also be pointed out that, despite the requirement to avoid where reasonably practicable, the vast majority of tasks will be able to be reduced in risk only. With a little thought and cooperation most loads will be able to be made 'safer'. The bottom line reality though is that life and work carry risks, however, if the exercise did reduce the likelihood of back injury then it will more than have served its purpose and may well prove to be one of the most cost effective exercises you have ever undertaken.

D-I-Y

As training providers and risk assessors of many years standing we are firmly of the view that if the job is to be carried out 'in-house' an absolutely essential prerequisite is to ensure that the staff involved are fully trained in correct manual handling techniques. All skilled workers will know how to perform the task per se, but to do that same job applying correct manual handling methods is another matter. It is rather like being asked to evaluate a new vehicle or piece of equipment. If the assessor can neither drive nor operate the equipment little will be achieved.

What's Involved?

To give you an idea of what needs to be considered when carrying out risk assessment the following may be useful. Essentially the risk assessment should look at four keys elements, the task, the load, the working environment and individual capability. When looking at the task one should consider the following. Is the load held or manipulated at a distance from the trunk, does it involve twisting, stooping or reaching upwards? Are excessive lifting, lowering or carrying distances involved? Is pushing or pulling an element of the task and is there a risk of sudden or unpredictable movement? Is the work rate imposed by a process requiring frequent or prolonged physical effort with insufficient rest or recovery periods? Do operatives perform team handling or do they handle while seated? Is the load heavy, bulky or unwieldy? Are its contents likely to shift, is it difficult to grasp, sharp, hot or otherwise potentially damaging?
When assessing the working environment consider whether space constraints prevent good posture. Are there uneven, slippery or unstable floor surfaces and are there variations in floor levels or work surfaces? Is the workplace poorly lit, noisy, hot, cold or subject to ventilation problems or gusts of wind? With regard to individual capability; does the task require unusual strength, height etc. and does it put at risk those who might reasonably be considered to be pregnant or be suffering from other health problems?

Is it worth it?

If you are still reading you may think it can't possibly be worth the effort. Rest assured, it is not nearly as daunting as it may seem and you can be certain that the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages or time taken. If you wish to explore risk assessment further contact us at North West Training where you can be sure of the very best advice.