Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: employer duties

The 1992 Regulations discussed here apply in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has separate Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992. HSE: Manual Handling Operations Regulations guidance · HSENI: manual handling

What counts as manual handling?

Manual handling means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. It includes lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying and moving; the load may be an object, person or animal. HSE: manual handling at work

1. Avoid the hazardous task where reasonably practicable. Change the delivery point or workflow, or use suitable mechanical handling, so people do not have to perform the risky movement. Regulation 4(1)(a) · HSE: avoid hazardous manual handling
2. Assess what remains. Look at the task, load, working environment and the worker's capability. Include lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling where relevant. Regulation 4(1)(b)(i) and Schedule 1 · HSE: manual handling at work
3. Reduce the risk. Select controls based on that assessment: for example, a handling aid, a shorter carrying route or a change in load size or work layout. Regulation 4(1)(b)(ii) · HSE: reduce the risk of injury
4. Give load information where required. Provide general indications and, where reasonably practicable, precise information about each load's weight and its heaviest side if the centre of gravity is off-centre. Regulation 4(1)(b)(iii)
5. Review the assessment. Review it if there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or the manual handling operation has changed significantly, then make any needed changes. Regulation 4(2)

Training and controls

Consider a worker's knowledge and training when deciding whether an operation creates an injury risk and what steps will reduce it. Training helps workers use the chosen system of work, but it does not replace avoiding or reducing the hazard. Regulation 4(3) · HSE: manual handling training

For learning support alongside the workplace controls, see Safety Courses online manual handling course.

• Can the hazardous movement be removed from the task? Regulation 4(1)(a)
• Have you assessed the task, load, environment and individual capability? Regulation 4(1)(b)(i) and Schedule 1
• Have you put risk-reducing measures in place and given the required load information? Regulation 4(1)(b)(ii)–(iii)
• Is the assessment still valid after changes to the operation? Regulation 4(2)