What is manual handling?

You’ve probably heard the term “manual handling” during safety briefings, or spotted it on a bulletin board. It might sound like health and safety jargon, but it’s actually something that most people do every single day without even realising it. In simple terms, manual handling means any activity where a person uses their body to lift, lower, carry, push or pull something. When done incorrectly, manual handling can place strain on the body and lead to painful injuries. These injuries can happen suddenly, or develop slowly over time, and in workplaces where physical tasks are part of the daily routine, the risk is significantly higher.

What are musculoskeletal disorders and how do they develop in the workplace?

Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs are injuries that affect the body’s muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. They’re often caused by repetitive movement, overexertion or working in awkward positions. You might feel a slight niggle at first, but over time these small signs can evolve into long-term, painful conditions that affect both comfort and mobility. In the workplace, MSDs are one of the most common reasons for absenteeism and cause real challenges for businesses.

How can you avoid hazardous manual handling?

The simplest way to reduce risk is to avoid manual handling altogether. That might sound unrealistic, but it’s often easier than you think. For example, using a trolley instead of carrying heavy boxes by hand, or installing equipment that moves loads mechanically. These changes not only reduce physical strain but also free workers up to focus on other parts of their role. If avoidance isn’t an option, the next best step is redesigning the task to make it safer. That could mean breaking up heavy loads into lighter ones or adjusting workstations so that employees aren’t constantly bending or twisting.

What can you do to assess the risk of injury when manual handling is unavoidable?

There will always be tasks that involve some level of manual handling. But when that’s the case, assessing risk becomes essential. This isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s about looking closely at what’s being lifted, how often it’s being moved, who’s doing it and under what conditions. For example, is the load too heavy or too awkward to carry safely? Is it being lifted from the ground or from a high shelf? Is the space clear and dry, or are there obstacles and slippery floors? These kinds of questions help identify where adjustments are needed.

What kind of training can be implemented to reduce the risk of injury?

One of the most effective tools for preventing injury is training. But it must be the right kind of training. A short, one-off slideshow won’t cut it. Workers need practical, hands-on experience that shows them how to carry out tasks safely and spot the warning signs of strain or fatigue.

Good manual handling training doesn’t just explain what to do, it explains why it matters. It covers anatomy, risk awareness, posture, lifting techniques and real-life scenarios. It also gives people the chance to ask questions and build confidence in their ability to handle loads safely.

Small changes, big impact

Creating a workplace where safe handling is second nature isn’t about adding red tape, it’s about protecting the health and wellbeing of your team. At MOHS we support businesses across the West Midlands with expert advice, training and occupational health services. If you’d like to find out more about how we can help reduce manual handling risk at your workplace, get in touch today by e-mailing us at info@mohs.co.uk or calling 01216014041.