{"id":77270,"date":"2024-12-23T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=77270"},"modified":"2026-03-23T15:35:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T15:35:35","slug":"manual-handling-risk-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/manual-handling-risk-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"Manual Handling Risk Assessment: Free Template"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The most recent HSE statistics<\/a> tell us that 17% of all workplace accidents are the result of poor handling, lifting or carrying. Manual handling injuries are also amongst the most common in the UK, accounting for around 1 in 5 injuries that last for over 7 days. Many job roles require manual handling activities and, as an employer or responsible person, it\u2019s your duty to ensure they understand how to handle, lift and carry safely through an appropriate risk assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll outline what a manual handling risk assessment is and why it\u2019s important, what the steps of a manual handling risk assessment are and provide you with a free risk assessment template<\/a> to use in your workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a Manual Handling Risk Assessment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A manual handling risk assessment is a step-by-step process that enables employers to control the health and safety risks caused by manual handling activities in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999<\/strong>, all employers must manage health and safety risks. This means identifying what might cause injury in the workplace, how likely it is someone may be harmed and what can be done to control the risks. Carrying out a risk assessment is the essential first step in this process.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A manual handling risk assessment can be carried out by employers or any competent person <\/strong>nominated by the employer. What\u2019s important is that this person understands the workplace, work activities and manual handling activities carried out there, whether that\u2019s lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving objects, people or animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When carrying out a manual handling risk assessment, the competent person should also keep the TILE acronym<\/strong> in mind: Task, Individual, Load and Environment. When each of these four categories is considered, it will help to more easily identify the manual handling risks that need controlling. You can find out more on TILE  in our article: What Does TILE Stand For?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s identified that a risk assessment isn\u2019t enough to control the hazards, either because they cannot be removed or the risk of harm is too great, then a Safe System of Work<\/a> may need to be considered instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What are the Risks of Manual Handling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main risks of manual handling are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)<\/strong>. These are injuries or conditions caused or made worse by poor manual handling practices and can affect the back, neck, shoulders, forearms, wrists, hands, hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet. The HSE estimates that MSDs made up a third<\/a> of all workplace ill-health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Manual handling makes the risk of developing an MSD more likely if any of the following activities are performed incorrectly or unsafely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n