Manual handling at work

This revised leaflet is aimed at employers. It explains the problems associated with manual handling and includes guidance on how to deal with them. It gives useful practical advice on reducing the risk of injury from manual handling and will help employers carry out their duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

The updated version brings the risk assessment process in line with L23 Appendix 1 to help identify low-risk tasks and includes:

• more information on the simple risk filters for lifting and lowering and carrying operations
• simplified advice on pushing and pulling with new simple filter pushing/pulling illustrations
• a simple filter for handling while seated

The section on safe handling techniques from the previous version has been moved to HSE's website.

There are no changes to regulations or policy.

Related content

• L23 Manual handling: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• Manual handling assessment charts (the MAC tool) - INDG383
• Risk assessment of pushing and pulling (RAPP) tool - INDG478
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
• HSE Books +44 (0)333 202 5070
• Translated leaflets
• Legislation
• Statistics
• Science and Research
• Subscribe - news and updates