How to Carry Out a Manual Handling Risk Assessment

Manual handling injuries account for around a third of all workplace injuries reported to the HSE each year. Most are preventable with a structured risk assessment. This guide walks you through the TILE framework.

T — Task

Consider what the activity actually involves. Does it require twisting, stooping, reaching above shoulder height, or carrying over long distances? Prolonged or repetitive effort? The task is often the easiest element to redesign.

• Can the load be moved mechanically instead?

• Can the distance or frequency be reduced?

• Can the task be broken into stages?

I — Individual

Different people have different capabilities. Pregnant workers, those who have recently returned from injury, new or young workers, and anyone with a relevant health condition may need adjusted tasks or additional supervision.

L — Load

Assess the load itself: its weight, size, and centre of gravity. Is it unstable or likely to shift? Are the contents hazardous? Is it difficult to grip? Heavy, bulky or irregularly shaped loads present greater risk than light, compact ones.

E — Environment

Now look at where the handling takes place. Is the floor level, slip-free and in good condition? Is there enough space to adopt a safe posture? Is the lighting adequate? Are there steps, ramps or changes in floor level?

Recording and reviewing

There is no prescribed format for recording a manual handling assessment, but your record should identify the task, the significant risks found, the controls in place and any residual risk. Review the assessment whenever the task, individual, load or environment changes.