Risk Assessment: Manual Handling¶

Document Reference: RA_HO_07
Issue Date: 04/07/2025
Review Date: 04/07/2026
Assessed By: HSQE Consultant Approved By: Aaron Mason

Task/Activity¶

Manual handling of office equipment, deliveries, and materials

Location¶

All work locations

Persons at Risk¶

All staff
Delivery personnel
Contractors

Hazards and Controls¶

Hazard	Existing Controls	S	L	R	Additional Controls	S	L	R
Back injuries from lifting	Manual handling training, team lifting policy	3	2	🟡 6	Refresher training, lifting aids	2	1	🟢 2
Strains from poor technique	Training provided, guidance posters	3	2	🟡 6	Mechanical aids assessment, technique monitoring	2	1	🟢 2
Repetitive strain injuries	Job rotation, rest breaks	2	2	🟢 4	Automated solutions, ergonomic tools	2	1	🟢 2
Crushing injuries from dropped items	Safety footwear, secure grip training	3	2	🟡 6	Team lifting protocols, load assessment	2	1	🟢 2
Slips/trips while carrying	Good housekeeping, clear routes	3	2	🟡 6	Route planning, obstruction removal	2	1	🟢 2
Awkward postures	Ergonomic training, adjustable equipment	2	3	🟡 6	Workplace design review, handling aids	2	2	🟢 4
Inadequate grip/sharp edges	Gloves provided, inspection procedures	2	2	🟢 4	Edge protection, better packaging	2	1	🟢 2
Environmental conditions	Weather monitoring, postponement policy	2	2	🟢 4	Indoor storage, covered areas	2	1	🟢 2

PPE Requirements¶

Safety footwear
Work gloves
Back support (if recommended)
High visibility vest (loading areas)

Training Requirements¶

Manual handling techniques
Risk assessment
Use of mechanical aids
Body mechanics
Injury prevention
Load assessment

Emergency Procedures¶

First aid procedures
Injury reporting
Occupational health referral
Return to work process
Rehabilitation support

Monitoring¶

Technique observations
Injury statistics
Training records
Equipment maintenance
Near miss reports

Risk Assessment Summary¶

Risk Scoring Matrix¶

Severity (S): 1=Negligible, 2=Minor, 3=Serious, 4=Catastrophic
Likelihood (L): 1=Remote, 2=Unlikely, 3=Likely, 4=Almost Certain
Risk Rating: 🟢 Low (1-5), 🟡 Medium (6-11), 🔴 High (12-16)

Document Control¶

All risk assessments reviewed annually
Update following incidents or changes
Approved by senior management
Communicated to all relevant parties

APP_07 Hazard Identification Log
MAN01_INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS) MANUAL
APP_12 Training Matrix

These Risk Assessments form part of A M Water Services Limited's Integrated Management System and should be read in conjunction with the IMS Manual (MAN_01) and relevant Standard Operating Procedures.