(Version 1)
Policy Reference
This policy document refers to the following aims and objectives outlined in the Council’s general Statement of Health & Safety policy.
The provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risks to health.
Arrangements for ensuring so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances.
Introduction
The Highland Council recognises that manual handling is one of the most common causes of absence through injury at the workplace. Monitoring of accident statistics has shown that a significant proportion of over 3-day injuries are caused by manual handling activities. This policy and its accompanying guidance is therefore intended to help reduce the risk of manual handling injuries and promote good practice in all lifting, handling and carrying operations.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling is defined as:-
"Any transporting or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force".
The term "load refers to a discrete moveable object including persons or animals".
Arrangements
In order to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling operations the Highland Council will:-
Eliminate hazardous manual handling activities, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Assess the risks associated with those manual handling activities that cannot be avoided.
The object of the risk assessment will be to reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable taking into account:-
- The task
- The load
- The individual
- The working environment
Employees' Duties
Employees should ensure that they:-
- Comply with any instruction and training provided in safe manual handling techniques
- Do not put their own health and safety or that of others at risk by carrying out an unsafe manual handling activity
- Use appropriate equipment provided to eliminate or reduce manual handling
- Report problems including physical and medical conditions (e.g. pregnancy) which may affect their ability to undertake manual handling activities to their line manager.
Guidance
Guidance will be issued in respect of the recommended means of implementing the following aspects of this policy.
- Eliminating/reducing manual handling activities
- Assessment of risks associated with manual handling
- Training
- Monitoring and Review
Legal Reference
This policy and its associated guidance outline the provisions the Council will make to discharge its duties in relation to the following statutory requirements.
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Section 2 - The duty to ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 - All requirements.
Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992 – Suitability of equipment to be used for manual handling.