Carrying loads can cause physical injury - particularly if care is not taken to lift the load safely. If you need advice on lifting or manual handling, contact us. In some cases we may need to visit your workplace to assess the extent and type of manual handling being carried out.
Details
Injuries do not usually occur when manual handling tasks are undertaken in a controlled way. Injuries mostly tend to happen when we try to do things in a hurry or take a chance by lifting something too heavy or awkward for us. Even lifting a lightweight object may cause us injury if we are not properly prepared. Injury can range from a temporary sore back to a lifetime of pain.
Legally, employers must carry out a risk assessment of the manual handling tasks they expect their staff to do. The employer should assess a person’s capability to carry out manual handling and provide employees with training, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary. Employees should attend arranged training sessions, follow their employer’s instructions and wear PPE where provided.
Next Steps
If you are suffering as a result of manual handling activities at work, you should approach your doctor. You should also approach your employer if you think the 'control measures' taken for manual handling at work are inadequate.
You can also contact us. We will discuss the manual handling activities you are carrying out at work and give appropriate safety advice. Or we may visit your employer unannounced and confidentially to investigate further.
Contacts
Environmental Health and Trading Standards
Telephone: 020 8313 4830
Fax: 020 8313 4450
E-mail: health.safety@bromley.gov.uk Address: Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH.