2. Manual Handling tasks
In law, the overarching piece of legislation that Manual Handling falls under is the Health and Safety At Work Act (1974). Specifically, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992).
Task
When assessing risk for a manual handling task, we much first identify the task and think through what it involves. Consider:
- What exactly is the task?
- What are we moving and to where?
- Is there equipment available that we can use to undertake the task?
Legal
HASAWA (1974) and MHOR (1992)
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA) is the overarching piece of legislation that covers all responsibilities taken by employer and employee. This sets out the legal responsibilities of both employer and employee. It is an enabling Act and has regulations supporting it, which gives the detail regarding specific areas of risk which could lead to harm, injury, damage etc.
It is important to realise that, as employees, there are a range of legal duties with regard to the health and safety for yourselves, others and the organisation (placement/workplace) that may be affected by the work that you do.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) supports the HASAWA (1974) and specifically covers Manual Handling. The MHOR defines manual handling operations as lifting, lowering, carrying, supporting, pushing and pulling of loads.
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