Risk Assessment: Manual Handling¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA10 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
Risk Assessment Table¶
| Activity/Process | Hazard | Who/What Affected | Existing Controls | Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R) | New Controls Required | Post-Control Risk (S/L/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handling and moving tools and equipment | • Dropping of load leading to injury • Physical injury due to sharp edges or abrasive surfaces |
Personnel undertaking manual handling operations may suffer cuts, abrasions, or crush injuries | • Mechanical lifting aids (trolleys, barrows) provided for heavy/awkward loads • Information on commonly lifted items provided • Tasks planned to avoid repetitive operations • Suitable PPE (gloves, long-sleeved clothing) provided |
3/3/9 (Moderate) | • Refresher training on manual handling techniques Quarterly • New equipment storage layout to reduce need for manual lifting Site Manager |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
| Handling and moving tools and equipment | Musculoskeletal injuries due to loads being too heavy or awkward to move | Personnel may suffer back injuries, strains, sprains or other musculoskeletal disorders | • Manual handling training provided in safe techniques and use of mechanical aids • Additional consideration for young persons, those with medical conditions and expectant mothers • Young persons not permitted to lift items exceeding 10kg |
4/3/12 (High) | • Introduce team lifting protocols for items over 15kg • Provide additional mechanical aids for specific tasks identified in audits • Update manual handling risk assessments for high-risk activities |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
| Handling and moving tools and equipment | Slips, trips and falls due to obstructed vision or uneven terrain | Personnel may suffer injuries from falls | • Suitable footwear provided • Work areas kept clear and tidy • Clear pathways maintained • Adequate lighting provided in work areas |
3/3/9 (Moderate) | • Implement formal pre-work area inspection checklist • Improve workplace housekeeping standards through toolbox talks |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
| Loading, unloading tools and equipment from a vehicle | • Dropping of load leading to injury • Physical injury due to sharp edges or abrasive surfaces |
People loading/unloading from vehicles may suffer cuts, abrasions, or crush injuries | • Vehicles with large heavy loads provided with mechanical means (tail lifts, winch, grab) • Mechanical lifting aids (trolleys, barrows) provided • Tools and equipment ergonomically arranged in vehicles to avoid excessive stooping and over-reaching |
3/3/9 (Moderate) | • Review vehicle loading arrangements for all fleet vehicles • Install improved restraint systems for tools and equipment |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
| Unloading tools and equipment from vehicles | Falls from height when accessing vehicle beds | People loading/unloading may suffer injuries from falls | • Means of unloading without climbing onto flat-bed vehicles provided where possible • Where climbing cannot be avoided, safety rails and barriers provided to prevent falls |
4/3/12 (High) | • Install additional fall prevention systems on vehicles lacking adequate protection • Conduct specific training on safe vehicle access/egress |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
Key:¶
- S = Severity (1-5 scale)
- L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
- R = Risk Rating (S × L)
- Risk Levels:
- Low (1-3)
- Moderate (4-8)
- High (9-15)
- Very High (16-25)