What do the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require?

Regulation 4: what employers must do

Each employer must:

• avoid the need for employees to do manual handling that involves a risk of injury, so far as is reasonably practicable
• where that cannot be avoided, make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the manual handling
• take appropriate steps to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level reasonably practicable
• give employees general indications and, where reasonably practicable, precise information on the weight of each load and the heaviest side of any load whose centre of gravity is not central

The assessment must be reviewed if there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid, or if the work has changed significantly.

What the assessment looks at

HSE says to consider the task, the load, the working environment and individual capability, for example the postures adopted, how far the load is moved, how often, its weight and nature, cramped spaces, poor floors or lighting, and workers' strength, fitness and health. Regulation 4 also says employers must consider each employee's physical suitability, their clothing and footwear, and their knowledge and training. Our TILE guide covers this in detail.

How to reduce the risk

HSE lists ways to reduce risk where handling cannot be avoided: provide mechanical help such as a sack trolley or hoist; make loads smaller, lighter or easier to grasp; cut carrying distances, twisting and lifts from the floor or above the shoulder; avoid excessive work rates; improve space, flooring, lighting and temperature; and make sure the person lifting has been trained to lift as safely as possible.

Regulation 5: what employees must do

Each employee at work must make full and proper use of any system of work their employer provides to reduce the risk. Under section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employees must also take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by what they do.

Are there weight limits?

No. HSE says the Regulations do not set specific weight limits. HSE's lifting and lowering filter in its brief guide INDG143 gives guideline weights to spot low-risk tasks, such as 25 kg for men and 16 kg for women when the load is held close to the body between knuckle and elbow height. HSE says these are not safe limits, and working outside them is likely to increase the risk.

Where the Regulations apply

The 1992 Regulations apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992. HSE's guidance on the Regulations is L23, fourth edition, 2016.

Training

Lift College Manual Handling Training is 3 hours in 5 modules, with a CPD Standards Office accredited certificate the same day you pass. Managers who carry out assessments can add Risk Assessment Training.