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Manual Handling Policy

Purpose

A M Water Services Ltd recognizes that manual handling injuries remain one of the most common workplace accidents in the water industry. This policy establishes our commitment to preventing injuries through proper assessment, training, and the use of mechanical aids wherever practicable.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, directors, contractors, and visitors to A M Water Services Ltd premises and sites who undertake any manual handling activities.

This policy ensures compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.

Policy Statement

We are committed to protecting our workforce from manual handling injuries by following the hierarchy of control - first eliminating manual handling where possible, then reducing risks through mechanical aids, and finally ensuring safe techniques when manual handling cannot be avoided. Our operations present unique challenges, particularly when handling heavy water pipes, excavated materials, and operating grab lorries, which is why we take a proactive approach to risk management.

Manual handling assessments form the foundation of our approach. Before any work begins, we assess the task, load, environment, and individual capabilities to identify potential risks. This is especially important for our typical activities like moving ductile iron pipes, handling chlorination equipment, loading grab lorries with excavated materials, and installing heavy chambers or valves. We recognize that conditions on construction sites change frequently, so our assessments are dynamic and reviewed whenever circumstances change.

Our team understands that mechanical aids should always be the first choice. We provide appropriate equipment including pipe lifting gear, excavator assistance for heavy loads, pallet trucks for materials movement, and ensure our grab lorries' hydraulic systems are properly utilized. However, when manual handling is necessary, we maintain strict weight limits with a general guide of 25kg for individual lifts, though this varies based on the specific circumstances and individual capabilities. Team lifting procedures are mandatory for heavier items, with clear communication protocols to ensure coordinated and safe movement.

Implementation and Training

Every employee receives manual handling training during induction, with role-specific practical training and refresher courses every three years. Site supervisors monitor compliance daily and provide immediate feedback when improvements are needed. We maintain comprehensive training records and ensure specialized training for activities like slinger/signaller duties and mechanical aid operation. Our toolbox talks regularly reinforce safe handling techniques, particularly when new risks are identified or following any incidents.

Responsibilities

Directors hold overall responsibility for ensuring adequate resources and training are provided for safe manual handling. Management must ensure suitable risk assessments are completed, monitor compliance through regular audits, and review incident statistics to identify trends. All employees must follow safe lifting techniques, use mechanical aids where provided, seek assistance for heavy or awkward loads, and immediately report any injuries or concerns. Everyone has the authority to stop work if they believe manual handling activities pose an unacceptable risk to themselves or others.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors to ensure it remains effective and continues to prevent manual handling injuries across all company operations.

Signed:

Aaron Mason Director A M Water Services Ltd 1st July 2026

Where this policy is implemented

This block is portal navigation, not part of the policy. The policy wording and the Word controlled copy below are unchanged. It links the policy to the procedures that deliver it and the records that evidence it.

Local controlled copy

Word version of this controlled document (for offline / paper records):

Download POL_HSQE_18 (.docx)

The page above and the Word copy are the same policy. The Word copy carries the AMWS letterhead and the Director’s signature and is the signed original, so where the two ever differ on the approval date or the issue, the Word copy governs and the page is corrected to it.

Document control

Document Reference POL_HSQE_18
Revision 3
Issue Date 1st July 2026
Next Review 1st July 2027
Status Uncontrolled when printed