Handle with care - The Task
- Julie North
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Manual handling risk assessment essentials - The Task
It’s common to use the acronym TILE (task, individual, load and environment) as a framework for manual handling assessments. Over the next four weeks, we’ll share our tips for manual handling assessments using it. Week one is The Task.
Look at what the task requires workers to do and decide on the risk level. To help decide on the degree of risk, a straightforward likelihood versus severity matrix or terms such as high, medium or low are usually sufficient, if clear definitions are used.
Observing handling operations and talking to workers will help you. Your risk assessment should consider:
If people are required to handle loads away from their torso. Generally, the safe handling weight reduces the further away the load is.
Movement required and poor postures created during the task, such as twisting, stooping, pulling, pushing and reaching overhead.
Distances of carrying, lifting and lowering of loads.
Distances of pulling and pushing of loads.
If two people or team lifts are required. These can reduce risk, but require coordination between everyone involved.
How long the task takes and how often it is done.
If there are enough rest and recovery breaks scheduled.
Whether the speed at which people need to work is influenced by a process, such as picking items moving along a conveyor belt or collecting items produced by a machine.
Whether the task is carried out sitting or standing. When tasks are carried out sitting, the strong thigh muscles cannot be used, so the safe handling weight is lighter. Handling while seated can also limit reach and how far loads can be moved.
If the task is impacted by other factors such as personal protective equipment or clothing e.g. does hand protection prevent getting a good grip on a load or does clothing restrict movement and good lifting technique? Equally you should consider what protection is required to protect people from hazards presented by loads e.g. sharp, dirty or hot or cold loads.
You should consider if you need to carry out more detailed assessments for pulling and pushing operations or repetitive tasks. There are specific tools developed by the Health and Safety Executive for this (RAPP or ART tools).
Enjoyed this? You can read more about the five steps to risk assessment. And you can get to know our our Ergonomics team.
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