Manual handling - H&S at work

Step 1 Identify the hazard
Risk of back or other muscular-skeleton injuries from lifting or handling.
Risk of injury from material being handled falling.
Risk of enthusiastic stage crew/ volunteers over extending themselves.

Step 2 What is special about this location and the people concerned?
What material need to be man-handled?
Is access awkward?
Are there particularly heavy materials to handle?
Are individuals expected to handle materials late in the day when they are tired?
Ask any employees who may be asked to undertake manual handling if they have health reasons not to do so?

Step 3 Evaluate the risks
What actions can be taken to use mechanical assistance?
What actions can be taken to reduce the weight of the loads to be man-handled?
What actions can be taken to reduce the height of lift?
What actions can be taken to reduce the amount of stooping and lifting?
Is there any need for protective equipment?
What actions can be taken to reduce carry distance/ make loads easier to grasp/
Has the lifting capacity of the individual been assessed?
Have all exposed individuals been instructed?
Is the carry path unobstructed?
Have stage crew been trained?

Step 4 Record findings on the Risk Assessment form
Complete hazard assessment form.
Inform, instruct and train employees.

Step 5 Revise if circumstance change
New equipment to be carried?
Revised office layout?
etc