Manual Handling Operations Policy

INTRODUCTION

We recognise that manual handling causes a third of all accidents and injuries to persons at work and that these injuries may result in both temporary and permanent disability.

It is our policy to:

• Avoid, so far as is reasonably practicable, the need for members of staff to carry out any manual handling tasks (see Guidance) that involve a risk of being injured.
• Carry out an assessment of manual handling activities which cannot be avoided.
• Take appropriate steps, based on the risk assessment, to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.
• Consider the use of mechanical handling aids to reduce the need for manual handling.
• Inform members of staff of their duties.
• Train members of staff as appropriate.