Health and Safety

Executive

Full manual handling risk assessment:

Examples of assessment checklists
1 A suitable and sufficient risk assessment is required Section B – More detailed assessment Section C – Remedial action to be taken
when hazardous manual handling cannot be avoided. The
assessment should identify where the risk of injury lies and ■■ Work through the list of factors and tick the level of ■■ Summarise the remedial steps that should be taken, in
identify appropriate ways to reduce that risk. A checklist risk you believe to be associated with each of the order of priority. Record the assessor’s name, the
can help with this process by helping you to systematically items. Note down the precise nature of the problem name of the person responsible for carrying out any
examine all the possible risk elements. Involving and include suggestions about the remedial action remedial action and the date by which it should be
employees and safety representatives in the risk that may be taken. It may also help to write down the completed. Only complete the final column once this
assessment process is a highly effective way of identifying names of those you need to consult about action has been taken. It may also be useful to enter
hazards and developing solutions that work. The Appendix implementing the remedial steps, eg managers, the target date for reassessment if appropriate.
in L23 Manual handling includes more information on trainers, maintenance personnel or engineers and
choosing the right level of detail for your manual handling employees or their representatives. 4 When all the manual handling tasks have been
risk assessment – you may not need to carry out a full risk ■■ If you are assessing a lifting, carrying or team-handling assessed, the completed checklists can be compared to
assessment. operation, you can use the MAC tool (www.hse.gov. help prioritise the most urgent actions. However, there are
uk/pubns/indg383.htm) to help you decide the risk likely to be several ways to reduce the risks identified and
2 Using the checklists for lifting and carrying and for levels to be entered in Section B. For pushing and some will be more effective than others. Do not delay
pushing and pulling will help to highlight the overall level of pulling operations, you can use the RAPP tool (www. action on those that can be implemented easily and
risk involved and identify how the job may be modified to hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg478.htm) to help you. quickly simply because they may be less effective than
reduce the risk of injury and make it easier to do. This will ■■ Some tasks may involve more than one operator, others.
also help to prioritise the remedial actions needed. The each with a different level of risk, depending on what
checklists may be downloaded freely or may be used to they do. Either note the differences on one checklist or 5 Check at a later date to make sure that the remedial
help design your own assessment checklist. They are not use a separate one for each operator. action to remove or reduce the risk of injury has been
interactive, but can be printed out and completed. ■■ Return to the end of Section A and decide whether effective.
the overall risk of injury is Low, Medium or High. This
3 Work through the three sections of the appropriate will help to prioritise remedial action if you have a large 6 The checklists will help bring out a range of ideas on
checklist: number of risk assessments to carry out. Ring the how the risks identified can be avoided or reduced by
appropriate word at the bottom of Section A after you making modifications to the load, the task, and the
Section A – Preliminary have completed Section B. working environment. Many suggestions for reducing risks
in particular situations are given in L23 (www.hse.gov.uk/
■■ Describe the task you are assessing. You may also pubns/books/123.htm). Worked examples of risk
find it helpful to include diagrams or photographs to assessments are included as well as the blank checklists
illustrate the tasks. to show how they might be used in practice.

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 1 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Assessment checklist for lifting and carrying Executive

Section A: Preliminary

Task name: Is an assessment needed?

(An assessment will be needed if there is a potential risk of injury, eg if the task falls outside the
Task description: guidelines in the L23 Appendix.)

Yes/No*
Load weight:
If ‘Yes’ continue. If ‘No’ the assessment need go no further.
Frequency of lift:
Carry distances (if applicable):
Are other manual handling tasks carried out by these operators?
Assessment discussed with employees/safety representatives:
*Circle as appropriate

Operations covered by this assessment (detailed description): Diagrams (other information including existing control measures):

Locations:

Personnel involved:

Date of assessment:

Overall assessment of the risk of injury? Low/Medium/High*

*Circle as appropriate

Make your overall assessment after you have completed Section B.

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 2 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Lifting and carrying – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need
Low Med High N/A (Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the to be made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Do the tasks involve:
■ holding loads away from torso?
■ twisting?
■ stooping?
■ reaching upwards?
■ large vertical movement?
■ long carrying distances?
■ strenuous pushing or pulling?
■ unpredictable movement of loads?
■ repetitive
frequent orhandling?
prolonged physical effort?
■ insufficient rest or recovery?
■ a work rate imposed by a process?
Are the loads:
■ heavy?
■ bulky or unwieldy?
■ difficult to grasp?
■ unstable or unpredictable?
■ intrinsically harmful (eg sharp/hot)?

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 3 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Lifting and carrying – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need
Low Med High N/A (Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the to be made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Consider the working environment
Are there:
■■ constraints on posture?
■■ poor floors?
■■ variations in levels?
■■ hot/cold/humid conditions?
■■ strong air movements?
■■ poor lighting conditions?

Consider individual capability

Does the job:
■■ require unusual capability?
■■ pose a risk to those with a health problem
or a physical or learning difficulty?
■■ pose a risk to those who are pregnant?
■■ pose a risk to new workers/young people?
■■ require special information/training?

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 4 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Lifting and carrying – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: Yes/No Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need
(Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the to be made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Other factors to consider
Protective clothing
■■ Is movement or posture hindered by Yes/No
clothing or personal protective
equipment?
■■ Is there an absence of the correct/suitable Yes/No
PPE being worn?
Work organisation (psychosocial factors)
■■ Do workers feel that there has been Yes/No
a lack of consideration given to the
planning and scheduling of tasks/rest
breaks?
■■ Do workers feel that there is poor Yes/No
communication between managers
and employees (eg not involved in risk
assessments or decisions on changes in
workstation design)?
■■ Are there sudden changes in workload, Yes/No
or seasonal changes in volume without
mechanisms for dealing with the change?
■■ Do workers feel they have not been Yes/No
given enough training and information to
carry out the task successfully?

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 5 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section C: Lifting and carrying – Remedial action to be taken

Remedial steps that should be taken, in order of priority: Person responsible for Target implementation Completed
implementing controls date Y/N
1

Date by which actions should be completed:

Date for review of assessment:
Assessor’s name: Signature:

TAKE ACTION... AND CHECK THAT IT HAS THE DESIRED EFFECT

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 6 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Assessment checklist for lifting and carrying – Worked example Executive

Section A: Preliminary

Task name: Conveyor/pallet loading. Is an assessment needed?

(An assessment will be needed if there is a potential risk of injury, eg if the task falls outside the
Task description: Pallet loading: boxes containing coiled wire. Remove from conveyor onto guidelines in the L23 Appendix.)
pallet.
Yes/No*

If ‘Yes’ continue. If ‘No’ the assessment need go no further.

Load weight: 45 kg
Frequency of lift: 15 lifts/hour
Carry distances (if applicable): 3 m
Are other manual handling tasks carried out by these operators? No
Assessment discussed with employees/safety representatives: Yes *Circle as appropriate

Operations covered by this assessment (detailed description): Operator lifts box, with hook grip, Diagrams (other information including existing control measures):
from conveyor, which is 50 cm above the ground, turns, walks 3 m and lowers box onto
a pallet on the ground. Boxes are piled six high on pallet. (a) Worker
(b) Conveyor
(c) 45 kg boxes of wire
(d) Pallet b
Locations: Wire factory only c
d
a c
c

Personnel involved: One operator

Arrows show direction of conveyor belt and
Date of assessment: 24 June 2015 worker movements between conveyor and pallet.

Overall assessment of the risk of injury? Low/Medium/High*

*Circle as appropriate

Make your overall assessment after you have completed Section B.

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 7 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Lifting and carrying – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need
Low Med High N/A (Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the to be made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Do the tasks involve:
■ holding loads away from torso? 3
1 Sometimes extended reaching when Review mechanical handling equipment to
■ twisting? 3
placing boxes on pallet. eliminate manual lifting.
■ stooping? 3
2 Twisting when putting down the box. Remind operator of the need to move feet.
■ reaching upwards? 3

■ large vertical movement? 3 3 Stooping when placing box on pallet Adjust pallet height – Review availability of
and stooping when picking box up rotating, height adjusting equipment and raise
■ long carrying distances? 3
from the conveyor. height of conveyor.
■ strenuous pushing or pulling? 3
Provide better information and instruction.
■ unpredictable movement of loads? 3

■ frequent
repetitiveorhandling?
prolonged physical effort? 3

■ insufficient rest or recovery? 3

■ a work rate imposed by a process? 3

Are the loads:
■ heavy? 3 4 Load too heavy. Is the weight of the Review product and customer needs with a view
■ bulky or unwieldy? 3 load a problem for customers too? to improving product design.

■ difficult to grasp? 3
5 Smooth cardboard boxes are difficult Provide boxes with hand grips.
■ unstable or unpredictable? 3 to grasp.

■ intrinsically harmful (eg sharp/hot)? 3

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 8 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Lifting and carrying – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need to
Low Med High N/A (Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the be made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Consider the working environment
Are there:
■■ constraints on posture? 3 6 Bad postures encouraged by obstructions Introduce system to ensure full pallets removed
■■ poor floors? 3 when full pallets are not removed. promptly – Speak to Operations Manager.

■■ variations in levels? 3

■■ hot/cold/humid conditions? 3

■■ strong air movements? 3

■■ poor lighting conditions? 3

Consider individual capability

Does the job:
■■ require unusual capability? 3 7 Operator has no history of back pain Consider job enlargement to introduce variety
problems but clear signs of sweating and and allow for recovery time. Monitor to ensure
■■ pose a risk to those with a health problem 3
or a physical or learning difficulty? straining. no rushing. Speak to trainer about manual
handling course.
■■ pose a risk to those who are pregnant? 3

■■ pose a risk to new workers/young people? 3

■■ require special information/training? 3

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 9 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Lifting and carrying – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: Yes/No Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need
(Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the to be made to the task, load, working
possible remedial action to be taken.) environment etc. Who needs to be involved in
implementing the changes?
Other factors to consider
Protective clothing
■■ Is movement or posture hindered by Yes/No
clothing or personal protective equipment?
■■ Is there an absence of the correct/suitable Yes/No
PPE being worn?
Work organisation (psychosocial factors)
■■ Do workers feel that there has been a lack Yes/No 8 Boxes delivered at pre-set rate. Look at varying delivery rate.
of consideration given to the planning and
scheduling of tasks/rest breaks?
■■ Do workers feel that there is poor Yes/No 9 Employees not directly involved in risk Discussions to be held with safety
communication between managers assessment process. representatives and other workers during
and employees (eg not involved in risk identification and when solutions are decided.
assessments or decisions on changes in
workstation design)?
■■ Are there sudden changes in workload, or Yes/No
seasonal changes in volume without
mechanisms for dealing with the change?
■■ Do workers feel they have not been Yes/No
given enough training and information to
carry out the task successfully?

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 10 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section C: Lifting and carrying – Remedial action to be taken

Remedial steps that should be taken, in order of priority: Person responsible for Target implementation Completed
implementing controls date Y/N
1 Safety representatives and employees to be involved in risk assessment process and workstation A N Onymous ASAP Yes
design.

2 Review product design to reduce weight of load and improve grip. A N Onymous July 2015 Yes

3 Review process in light of changes agreed in (1), particularly on customer requirements and A N Onymous Aug 2015 Yes
transportation.

4 Seek funding for magnetic lifting aid to help with transfer from conveyor to pallet. A N Onymous Aug 2015 Yes

5 Seek funding for pallet rotating/height adjustment equipment. A N Onymous Aug 2015 Yes

6 Operator to attend manual handling training. A N Onymous Sept 2015 Yes

7 Raise conveyor height by 25 cm. A N Onymous Sept 2015 Yes

8 Ensure full pallets are removed by pallet truck promptly. A N Onymous Ongoing Yes

9 Operations manager to ensure no rushing on this job. A N Onymous Ongoing Yes

Date by which actions should be completed: 30 Nov 2015

Date for review of assessment: 15 April 2016
Assessor’s name: A N Onymous Signature: A N Onymous

TAKE ACTION... AND CHECK THAT IT HAS THE DESIRED EFFECT

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 11 of 21 pages
 Health and Safety
Assessment checklist for pushing and pulling Executive

Section A: Preliminary

Task name: Is an assessment needed?

(An assessment will be needed if there is a potential risk of injury, eg if the task falls outside the
Task description: guidelines in the L23 Appendix.)

Yes/No*
Load weight:
If ‘Yes’ continue. If ‘No’ the assessment need go no further.
Frequency of operation:
Push/pull distances:
Are other push/pull tasks carried out by these operators?

Assessment discussed with employees/safety representatives: *Circle as appropriate

Operations covered by this assessment (detailed description): Diagrams (other information including existing control measures):

Locations:

Personnel involved:

Date of assessment:

Overall assessment of the risk of injury? Low/Medium/High*

*Circle as appropriate

Make your overall assessment after you have completed Section B.

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 12 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Pushing and pulling – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that
Low Med High N/A (Make rough notes in this column in need to be made to the task, load, working
preparation for the possible remedial environment etc. Who needs to be involved
action to be taken.) in implementing the changes?
Do the tasks involve:
■■ high initial forces to get the load moving?
■■ high forces to keep the load in motion?
■■ sudden movements to start, stop or manoeuvre the load?
■■ twisting/manoeuvring of the load into position or around obstacles?
■■ one-handed operations?
■■ the hands below the waist or above shoulder height?
■■ movement at high speed?
■■ movement over long distances?
■■ repetitive pushing/pulling?
The load or object to be moved:
■■ does it lack good handholds?
■■ is it unstable/unpredictable?
■■ is it sharp/hot?
■■ is vision over/around it restricted?
If on wheels/castors, are they:

■■ unsuitable for the type of load?

■■ unsuitable for the floor surface/work environment?
■■ difficult to steer?
■■ easily damaged or defective?
■■ without brakes or difficult to stop?
■■ with brakes, but the brakes are poor/ineffective?
■■ without a planned inspection and maintenance regime based on
a frequency that keeps them in working order?
Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 13 of 21 pages
 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Pushing and pulling – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need to be
Low Med High N/A (Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Consider the working environment
Are there:
■■ constraints on body posture/
positioning?
■■ confined spaces/narrow doorways?
■■ surfaces or edges to cause cuts/
abrasions/burns to hands or body?
■■ rutted/damaged/slippery floors?
■■ ramps/slopes/uneven surfaces?
■■ trapping or tripping hazards?
■■ poor lighting conditions?
■■ hot/cold/humid conditions?
■■ strong air movements?

Consider individual capability

Does the job:
■■ require unusual capability?
■■ pose a risk to those with a health problem
or a physical or learning difficulty?
■■ pose a risk to those who are pregnant?
■■ pose a risk to new workers/young people?
■■ require special information/training?

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 14 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Pushing and pulling – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: Yes/No Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need to be
(Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Other factors to consider
Equipment
■■ Is movement or posture hindered by clothing Yes/No
or personal protective equipment?
■■ Is there an absence of the correct/suitable Yes/No
PPE being worn?
■■ Are trolleys/carts/floor surfaces poorly Yes/No
maintained/cleaned/repaired?
■■ Is there a lack of regular maintenance Yes/No
procedures for the equipment?
Work organisation
■■ Do workers feel that there has been a lack Yes/No
of consideration given to the planning and
scheduling of tasks/rest breaks?
■■ Do workers feel that there is poor Yes/No
communication between users
of equipment and others
(eg managers, purchasers etc)?
■■ Are there sudden changes in workload, or Yes/No
seasonal changes in volume without
mechanisms for dealing with the change?
■■ Do workers feel they have not been given Yes/No
enough training and information to carry out
the task successfully?

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 15 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section C: Pushing and pulling – Remedial action to be taken

Remedial steps that should be taken, in order of priority: Person responsible for Target implementation Completed
implementing controls date Y/N
1

Date by which actions should be completed:

Date for review of assessment:

Assessor’s name: Signature:

TAKE ACTION... AND CHECK THAT IT HAS THE DESIRED EFFECT

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 16 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Assessment checklist for pushing and pulling – Worked example Executive

Section A: Preliminary

Task name: Collecting bins Is an assessment needed?

(An assessment will be needed if there is a potential risk of injury, eg if the task falls outside the guidelines
Task description: Collecting waste paper from computer company using industrial in the L23 Appendix.)
refuse bins
Yes/No*

If ‘Yes’ continue. If ‘No’ the assessment need go no further.

Load weight: Can exceed 100 kg
Frequency of operation: 1 push/pull every 5–10 mins
Push/pull distances: Between 2–15 m depending on the location of the vehicle
Are other push/pull tasks carried out by these operators? No
*Circle as appropriate
Assessment discussed with employees/safety representatives: Yes

Operations covered by this assessment (detailed description): Operator leaves vehicle Diagrams (other information including existing control measures):
and walks to bin storage area. Operator must then pull fully laden bin from storage area
and push/pull load around vehicles parked in car park outside storage area. Once
contents have been removed, bin is pushed/pulled back into storage area.

Locations: Storage bin area

Personnel involved: One operator

Date of assessment: 23 Jan 2015

Overall assessment of the risk of injury? Low/Medium/High*

*Circle as appropriate

Make your overall assessment after you have completed Section B.

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 17 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Pushing and pulling – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that
Low Med High N/A (Make rough notes in this column in need to be made to the task, load, working
preparation for the possible remedial environment etc. Who needs to be involved
action to be taken.) in implementing the changes?

Do the tasks involve:

1 Initially the wheels are often Remind operators to check position
■■ high initial forces to get the load moving? 3
difficult to move as they may and alignment of wheels, and whether
■■ high forces to keep the load in motion? 3 be inappropriately aligned, the there is debris or obstructions which
refuse bin may have been may inhibit their movement. Assess
■■ sudden movements to start, stop or manoeuvre the load? 3
unattended for some time, suitability of bin/wheels for the type of
■■ twisting/manoeuvring of the load into position or around obstacles? 3 and debris builds up around location. Inform customers.
wheels.
■■ one-handed operations? 3

■■ the hands below the waist or above shoulder height? 3

2 Close parking of cars near Remind operators of importance of
■■ movement at high speed? 3 refuse bins and restricted clearing suitable path for bin. Review
space in storage areas leads instructions and training on manual
■■ movement over long distances? 3
to pushing/pulling with twisted handling techniques.
■■ repetitive pushing/pulling? 3 postures.
The load or object to be moved: 3 Difficulties of parking the Review scheduling of collection rounds
■■ does it lack good handholds? 3 collection vehicle close to and information supplied to customers
refuse bins. on the positioning of bins.
■■ is it unstable/unpredictable? 3

■■ is it sharp/hot? 3 4 Bins are often overfilled. Discuss with customers the reasons for
Compact/dense material bins being overfilled and examine
■■ is vision over/around it restricted? 3
(eg computer paper) leads feasibility of providing additional bins.
If on wheels/castors, are they: to heavy loads.
■■ unsuitable for the type of load? 3
5 Overfilled bins can restrict Instruct operators to remove excess
■■ unsuitable for the floor surface/work environment? 3 visibility. contents (but warn not to lift awkward
or heavy objects) and/or seek
■■ difficult to steer? 3 assistance when moving bins.
■■ easily damaged or defective? 3
6 The four swivel castors make Review the suitability and practicality of
■■ without brakes or difficult to stop? 3 the bin difficult to handle on fitting castors with a swivel locking
sloping ground and when mechanism. Assess design of bins/
■■ with brakes, but the brakes are poor/ineffective? 3
moving over long distances. handles/wheel brakes. Ensure handle
■■ without a planned inspection and maintenance regime based on 3 heights are appropriate.
a frequency that keeps them in working order?
Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 18 of 21 pages
 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Pushing and pulling – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: If ‘Yes’, tick appropriate level of risk Problems occurring from the task. (Make rough notes Possible remedial action, eg changes that need to be
Low Med High N/A in this column in preparation for the possible remedial made to the task, load, working environment etc. Who
action to be taken.) needs to be involved in implementing the changes?

Consider the working environment

Are there:
■■ constraints on body posture/ 3
7 Storage areas, waste material and Review storage area facilities to ensure
positioning?
obstructions often inhibit the ease with clear access to bins during pickups.
■■ confined spaces/narrow doorways? 3 which the bin can be moved.
■■ surfaces or edges to cause cuts/ 3
abrasions/burns to hands or body?
8 A marked step between doorway Make customers aware of difficulties and
■■ rutted/damaged/slippery floors? 3
frame and the ground outside the seek to improve access, particularly
■■ ramps/slopes/uneven surfaces? 3 store room. Terrain uneven and outside the store room.
noticeable camber.
■■ trapping or tripping hazards? 3

■■ poor lighting conditions? 3

9 Variable weather conditions and Ensure operators have appropriate
■■ hot/cold/humid conditions? 3
hazardous terrain. Special problems footwear and protective equipment/
■■ strong air movements? 3 during snow/ice. clothing, particularly for adverse weather
Consider individual capability conditions.
Does the job:
10 Those suffering from Review training to ensure that operators
■■ require unusual capability? 3
musculoskeletal and respiratory are aware of the risks. Ensure
■■ pose a risk to those with a health problem 3 complaints are likely to encounter employees are given suitable induction
or a physical or learning difficulty? difficulties when they carry out the training and appropriate systems for
work. reporting complaints are in place.
■■ pose a risk to those who are pregnant? 3
Review procedures for return to work
■■ pose a risk to new workers/young people? 3 following health problems.

■■ require special information/training? 3

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 19 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section B: Pushing and pulling – More detailed assessment, where necessary

Questions to consider: Yes/No Problems occurring from the task. Possible remedial action, eg changes that need to be
(Make rough notes in this column in preparation for the made to the task, load, working environment etc.
possible remedial action to be taken.) Who needs to be involved in implementing
the changes?
Other factors to consider
Equipment
■■ Is movement or posture hindered by clothing Yes/No
or personal protective equipment?
■■ Is there an absence of the correct/suitable Yes/No
PPE being worn?
11 Refuse collectors have a tendency not to Review reporting procedures to actively encourage
■■ Are trolleys/carts/floor surfaces poorly Yes/No
maintained/cleaned/repaired? report problems. the reporting of breakage/failure of refuse bins.

■■ Is there a lack of regular maintenance Yes/No 12 When a problem is reported, it is not Implement a formal method to document
procedures for the equipment? always apparent that action is taken. problems and review maintenance procedures.
Work organisation
■■ Do workers feel that there has been a lack Yes/No
of consideration given to the planning and
scheduling of tasks/rest breaks?
■■ Do workers feel that there is poor Yes/No 13 Refuse collectors feel that they are not Review procedures for facilitating discussions
communication between users consulted about good features of bin between user and equipment purchasers.
of equipment and others design that aid handling tasks.
(eg managers, purchasers etc)?
■■ Are there sudden changes in workload, or Yes/No
seasonal changes in volume without
mechanisms for dealing with the change?
■■ Do workers feel they have not been given Yes/No
enough training and information to carry out
the task successfully?

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists 20 of 21 pages

 Health and Safety
Executive

Section C: Pushing and pulling – Remedial action to be taken

Remedial steps that should be taken, in order of priority: Person responsible for Target implementation Completed
implementing controls date Y/N
1 Discuss and agree with customers improvements to ground directly outside storage area. A N Onymous 20 Feb 2015 Yes

2 Discuss and agree with customers appropriate steps to prevent overfilling of bins – review its A N Onymous 25 Feb 2015 Yes
effectiveness.

3 Review storage facilities to improve ease of access to bins and discuss with customers arrangements A N Onymous 28 Feb 2015 Yes
for good housekeeping practices.

4 Operator to attend relevant manual handling training course. A N Onymous 25 March 2015 Yes

5 Instigate a reporting procedure to encourage workers to report problems. Ensure that a system of A N Onymous 30 March 2015 Yes
work is in place to address and monitor these problems.

6 Review refuse bin design to ensure that it is most suited to customer needs and handling A N Onymous 25 April 2015 Yes
requirements, eg size and shape in view of waste contents, wheel/castor design characteristics.
Seek funding to replace/modify bin design, if required.
7 Ensure the provision of suitable clothing and footwear. A N Onymous 30 April 2015 Yes

Date by which actions should be completed: 31 May 2015

Date for review of assessment: 15 December 2015
Assessor’s name: A N Onymous Signature: A N Onymous

TAKE ACTION... AND CHECK THAT IT HAS THE DESIRED EFFECT

Full manual handling risk assessment: Examples of assessment checklists Published by the Health and Safety Executive 09/16 CK5 21 of 21 pages