Manual handling:
Good manual handling practices in the workplace.
We have many employees who have manual handling as part of their role.
It is important that both the employee and management work together to ensure the safety of those who carry out any manual handling role.
There is a duty on the employer for the health and safety of employees, to ensure all necessary measures are taken to reduce and avoid any injury. If appropriate measures are not carried out properly, any injury does not just impact on the individual and their family. It also impacts on the council resources and business to the community.
The relevant equipment needs to be available, in working order and procedures need to be followed. Risk assessments are also required to be conducted by the managers, and amended where circumstances change.
From all nationally reported injuries in 2023/24, 543,000 were muscular injuries.
Where you feel that there are concerns in relation to the manual handling of
equipment, training, inadequate procedures or lack of appropriate assessments. Contact your branch union reps for advice and any support. Where an injury has occrred, it is important to report it immediately and contact your union.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
Posted: 10th October 2025