Items that are not intrinsically hazardous can become so when we try to lift, lower or move them. This is the case whether we are using mechanical devices or doing it manually, usually due to gravity and momentum.
Objects can be lifted or lowered using a number of different types of equipment including:
Additional equipment is often required to attach and suspend the load including chains, rope and slings. In some cases this equipment can be ‘wrapped around’ the object. In other cases eyebolts, hooks or shackles are required to allow attachment.
There are a number of way people can be harmed when items are being lifted or lowered. Dropping the load is clearly of great concern, and this can be caused by:
There are additional hazards during lifting including the possibility of the load or lifting lines colliding with or being snagged on other equipment, including power cables.
The following need to be considered when planning and carrying out a lift:
Lift Trucks come in many shapes and sizes. They usually have ‘fork lifts’ but other types of lifting attachment can be used including clamp, crane jib, hopper etc. They are generally considered as a special type of vehicle from a health and safety perspective because there are a number of hazards associated with their use.
Types of lift truck
Types of truck include:
Smaller lift trucks may have solid tyres, and are only suitable for flat and smooth surfaces. Larger trucks have pneumatic tyres and can be used on different terrain.
Truck engines can be battery, LPG, petrol or diesel.
Lift trucks can, in certain circumstances, be used to provide an elevated work platform. This is not a normal activity and requires special controls.
Lift truck hazards
The hazards associated with lift trucks are largely the same as for other vehicles. However, they do have particular vulnerabilities including:
Lift truck driver competence
It is not possible to engineer out all the hazards associated with using lift trucks, without them losing some of the capabilities that are important to business. Therefore, there is a high reliance on driver competence to minimise risks. There is an Approved Code of Practice for use of lift trucks in the UK, which includes the following:
There are a number of approved training providers in the UK for drivers of lift trucks.
Lift truck ‘daily’ checks
It is good practice for users of lift trucks (as with all vehicles) to carry out regular checks of the condition of their vehicle. For lift trucks the checks should include
Safety when lift trucks are not in use
When not in use the following should be done to minimise risks:
Reference – Approved Code of Practice L117 ‘Rifer Operated Lift Trucks’ available free at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l117.pdf
Cranes are an obvious form of mechanical lifting device. There are different types including:
In selecting a crane it is important to consider what is to be lifted, how far and high, and how often. Also, any restrictions in using equipment due to its size or engine type (e.g. ignition source and fumes). When considering mobile cranes it is important to assess the ground condition and how it may affect stability.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) cover:
The regulations require people to be competent in planning and supervising lifts, as well as operating the equipment and attaching loads. They will be competent because of their theoretical knowledge and practical experience
Reference – ‘Simple guide to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998’ available free at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg290.pdf
Reference – Approved Code of Practice L113 ‘Safe use of lifting equipment. Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998’ available free at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l113.pdf
Manual handling is any activity that requires the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, hold or move an object. Those objects can be animate (people and animals) or inanimate.
The following factors affect the likelihood of injury from manual handling:
Other factors can affect the risk including a slippery floor or uncomfortable working environment (temperature, lighting etc.). Also, if the object has sharp edges or is hot or cold as this will affect how people take hold and lift.
The four factors to consider when evaluating and managing the risk of manual handling are:
As for all risk management, the first thing to do is to consider whether the manual handling activity can be eliminated; either by not having to move the load at all or through the use of lifting aids.
Next, can the risks be reduced by changing the task or rearranging equipment or the workplace? Things to consider include can the load be kept at the same level throughout the task (i.e. do not put on floor between activities), can the flow of work change so people do not need to twist or bend, can the flow be changed so the distances involved are reduced?
It is important to monitor health and injury statistics to pick if manual handling may be a problem. People under stress (maybe caused by boring jobs or unrealistic demands) may be more likely to have problems.
Possibilities to remove or reduce manual handling risks include:
Where people are being handled (e.g. health services) aids are available to assist with getting in and out of bed or the bath, and going up or down stairs.
The aim of training is to explain the problem and give people the skills needed to avoid injury. It should cover:
Lifting safely involves
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (amended 2002). Cover all manual handling.
Employers are required to:
Employee’s duties include:
Reference – ‘Manual handling at work – A brief guide’ available free at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg143.pdf
Reference – Approved Code of Practice L23 ‘Manual handling. Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)’ available free at http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l23.pdf