Manual Handling FAQs

In the regulations, manual handling is defined as “…any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, lowering, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force.”

TILE stands for task, individual, load and environment. LITE is the same with the letters mixed round. The terms are used as the framework for manual handling risk assessments. To find out more visit our blog – What do TILE and Lite stand for?

The legislation dedicated to manual handling in the workplace is The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. You can view the legislation here.

Manual handling is the cause of over a third of all reported workplace injuries, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and repetitive strain injuries.

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure workplace risk assessments are conducted. Risk assessments must be undertaken by a competent person, the assessments can be outsourced to a competent consultant(s) if its felt that there isn’t the competence in the organisation.

Employers are responsible in ensuring manual handling activities with a risk of injury are avoided where possible. Where lifting cannot be avoided, risk should be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.

Poorly managed manual handling operations is one of the most common causes of injury at work. As well as it being a legal requirement, undertaking manual handling training can help reduce the likelihood of injuries and musculoskeletal disorders occurring amongst employees and will help managers become competent in undertaking risk assessments and developing safe systems of work with workers.

Before assessing what is a good handling technique, it is important to initially look at avoiding the need to undertake manual handling in all its forms. If that’s not possible then reducing the risks associated with the manual handling task is the next step which might mean using a mechanical aid or changing the task, load or working environment.

When a lift operation still needs to be undertaken, a good techniques would include:

• Assessing the load.
• Planning the lift and handling activity.
• Create a good base by placing your feet one in front of the other.
• Lower yourself down avoiding a deep bending posture and bending your knees.
• Take a secure grip of the load.
• Raise your head up and straighten and lock the back out.
• Lift with your legs and try and include some forward momentum.
• Keep the load close to your waist.

Although there is no legal safe limit set within the regulations, the HSE provides guidelines for lifting and lowering loads. You can view the HSE’s guidelines here.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 aim to protect workers from injuries caused by manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads. The regulations require employers to avoid manual handling where possible, assess the risk of injury for tasks that cannot be avoided, and reduce the risks as much as reasonably practicable.

Employers must also provide appropriate manual handling training and ensure workers are aware of safe handling techniques to minimise the risk of injury.

Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, and moving loads, are a significant cause of workplace injuries in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approximately 18% of non-fatal workplace injuries are attributed to handling, lifting, or carrying activities.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 were introduced to address the high incidence of injuries caused by manual handling tasks in the workplace.

The regulations aim to protect workers by requiring employers to identify and assess risks associated with manual handling, implement measures to minimise those risks, and provide appropriate training.

Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the risk from manual handling must be reduced as far as reasonably practicable. This means employers are required to assess and minimise the risk of injury by eliminating manual handling tasks where possible.

If elimination is not feasible, they must implement control measures such as improving the task design, using mechanical aids, and providing training on safe handling techniques. The regulations specifically emphasise reducing risks by considering the weight of the load, the nature of the task, the working environment, and the individual’s capability.

Yes, manual handling training is a legal requirement under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Employers are legally required to ensure that employees are trained and competent to perform manual handling tasks safely.

A dynamic risk assessment in manual handling is a real-time evaluation of risks, meaning it is carried out during the task rather than beforehand.

It involves continuously observing the environment and the task as it unfolds, identifying any unexpected hazards such as uneven surfaces, obstacles, or changes in load weight.

Workers then make quick, informed decisions to adapt their approach, ensuring safety while responding to these immediate risks.

A manual handling risk assessment should be performed:

• Before new tasks are introduced.
• When changes occur to existing tasks.
• After an incident or injury.
• Regularly, to ensure risks remain controlled.

This aligns with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to minimise injury risks.

Manual handling training should be refreshed regularly, typically every 3 years or sooner if:

• The nature of manual handling tasks changes.
• An incident or injury occurs.
• Employees show signs of unsafe practices.

While there’s no set legal timeframe, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to ensure training remains up to date to keep employees safe.

The most common injuries caused by manual handling are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which affect the muscles, joints, tendons, and spine.

Back injuries are particularly prevalent, as manual handling often involves heavy or awkward loads, poor posture, or improper techniques.

Manual handling equipment should be checked regularly under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998. Formal inspections should occur annually, with daily pre-use checks to ensure safety and identify faults, especially for frequently used equipment.

Yes, you can complete a manual handling course online. Online courses provide flexible, accessible training that covers essential principles, techniques, and legal requirements. Practical skills may still need to be assessed in person, depending on workplace needs or industry standards.

Manual handling risks can be reduced by:

1. Avoiding manual handling where possible.
2. Assessing risks before tasks.
3. Using mechanical aids like trolleys or hoists.
4. Improving task design (e.g., reducing load weight).
5. Training staff in proper lifting techniques.
6. Maintaining a safe environment (clear pathways, good lighting).

Praxis42’s Manual Handling Course and Office Manual Handling Training take 30-45 minutes to complete.

These courses are designed to be concise and engaging, covering key principles of safe manual handling, risk assessment, and proper techniques to reduce injury risks.

The interactive, bitesize format ensures staff can quickly gain essential knowledge while remaining productive.

There is no legally defined maximum weight for manual handling in the UK. The weight a person can safely handle depends on factors such as the load’s size, shape, and position, the individual’s capability, and the working environment.

Health and Safety Executive guidelines suggest that loads over 25kg for men and 16kg for women may require additional controls, but these are not legal limits.

Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employees have the following responsibilities for manual handling:

• Follow training provided by their employer for safe manual handling.
• Use equipment or aids provided to reduce manual handling risks.
• Cooperate with employers to ensure safe practices are followed.
• Report hazards or issues that could increase the risk of injury.
• Assess risks dynamically during tasks and avoid unsafe actions, such as overloading or poor posture.

Manual handling tasks can be eliminated by:

• Using mechanical aids (e.g., hoists, trolleys, conveyors).
• Automating processes with machinery.
• Redesigning tasks to avoid manual handling.
• Adjusting workflows to minimise handling needs.

AAPEE stands for:

1. Avoid. Eliminate manual handling where possible.
2. Assess. Evaluate the risks involved.
3. Plan. Organise the task and environment.
4. Equip – Use appropriate tools or aids.
5. Evaluate. Review the process to ensure safety.

AAPEE provides a structured approach to minimise manual handling risks and prevent injuries.

AAR stands for:

1. Avoid. Eliminate manual handling where possible.
2. Assess. Identify and evaluate the risks.
3. Reduce. Implement measures to minimise the risks.

This approach aligns with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to ensure tasks are managed safely and effectively.

LOLER stands for the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

LOLER requires employers to ensure that all lifting equipment is:

1. Safe to use and regularly inspected.
2. Properly maintained to prevent failure.
3. Used correctly, with appropriate planning and supervision.

These regulations aim to reduce risks associated with lifting operations and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

A manual handling risk assessment is a structured process to identify, evaluate, and reduce the risks associated with manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads. It involves assessing:

• What actions are involved.
• Who is performing the task and their capabilities.
• The weight, size, and shape of the object.
• The space, flooring, lighting, and conditions.

The goal is to implement measures to minimise the risk of injury, in line with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Manual handling is a significant cause of workplace injuries in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual handling injuries account for over a third of all workplace injuries.