The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Overview

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 set out duties on both employers and employees in respect of manual handling.

In summary: 

1) Employers should either avoid the need for employees to undertake any manual handling operations at work which involve a risk of their being injured, or if this is not practicable, they should:

• Conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment
• Take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of injury to those employees arising from their manual handling operations to the lowest level reasonably practicable
• Provide practical and precise information on loads and weights 

2) Employees must make full and proper use of any system of work provided for their use

Background

Incorrect manual handling is one of the most common causes of injury at work. It causes work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts. These account for over 40% of all workplace injuries. Employers must protect employees by managing, controlling and reducing the risk of injury from manual handling in the workplace. 

The Regulations apply to manual handling activities involving the transporting or supporting of loads, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. A load may be either inanimate, for example a box or a trolley, or animate, such as a person or an animal.