Manual handling injuries can build up quietly and are one of the most common causes of lost time. This assessment works through the task, the load, the working environment and the individual, so the handling risk is understood and reduced before injury.

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Further Reading

Further guidance on manual handling and musculoskeletal risk:

• Manual Handling
• Risk Assessment
• Managing Health and Safety at Work

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To get access to this file please click on Add to Cart to purchase for immediate download. If you have an alphaZ Subscription just click on Download Files to view all the files available to download. This form is also included in the ISO 45001 Toolkit and every alphaZ ISO toolkit that covers health and safety, so if you need the wider set of documents for manual handling assessment and health and safety, the toolkit route gives you this file plus everything else you need in one download.

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Manual Handling Assessment Template

A manual handling assessment structured around the four factors the assessment must consider - the task, the load, the working environment and the individual - with prompts for each, plus PPE and training, and space for worker feedback and a summary.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to assess handling operations that carry a risk of injury and to reduce that risk so far as is reasonably practicable. This form follows the HSE task-load-environment-individual approach and supports the hazard identification requirements of ISO 45001.

Built for the Manual Handling Regulations and ISO 45001

The assessment follows the MHOR 1992 TILE approach and supports the risk assessment requirements of ISO 45001 (clause 6.1.2):

• Task - holding loads away from the torso, twisting, stooping, reaching upwards, long carrying distances, pushing or pulling, repetitive handling and insufficient rest
• Load - heavy, bulky or unwieldy, difficult to grasp, unstable or intrinsically harmful
• Environment - uneven floors, postural constraints, exposure to the elements, different levels and poor lighting
• Individual - risk to those with a health problem, pregnant workers or young workers, and where special training is required

What's Included in this Manual Handling Assessment

The form works through each factor with Yes / No prompts and space for comments:

• Header - completed by, date, and the task, activity or area covered
• The task - the handling factors that increase risk, each with a Yes / No and comment
• The load - the load characteristics that increase risk
• The working environment - environmental factors affecting safe handling
• The individual - who could be at greater risk and training needs
• PPE and training - whether PPE is appropriate, whether it restricts movement and whether staff are trained
• Summary and feedback - additional comments, a summary and feedback from workers

Who Needs a Manual Handling Assessment?

Any organisation where people lift, carry, push or pull as part of the job - warehousing, manufacturing, construction, care, retail, facilities and delivery. It is a core assessment for reducing musculoskeletal injury and for any business working towards or maintaining ISO 45001 certification.

Included in the ISO 45001 Toolkit

This form is part of the ISO 45001 Toolkit - risk assessments, registers, procedures and guidance for managing health and safety in one download - and is included in every alphaZ ISO toolkit that covers ISO 45001.

Pairs with the General Risk Assessment

Manual handling risks identified in a wider assessment on the F-HS20 General Risk Assessment can be worked through in detail here, and both are tracked in the F-HS12 Risk Assessment Register.