How far must I reduce the risk? To the balancing the level ‘reasonably practicable’. This means balancing the level of risk against the measures needed to control the risk in terms of money, time and trouble. Do I have to provide mechanical aids in every case? You should definitely provide mechanical aids if it is reasonably practicable to do so and the risks identified in your risk assessment can be reduced or eliminated by this means. But you should consider mechanical aids in other situations as well – they can improve productivity as well as safety. Even something as simple as a sack truck can make a big improvement. What about training? Training is important but remember that, on its own, it can’t overcome: a lack of mechanical aids; unsuitable loads; bad working conditions. Training should cover manual handling risk factors and how injuries can occur; how to carry out safe manual handling, including good handling technique (see ‘Good handling technique for lifting’ and ‘Good handling technique for pushing and pulling’); appropriate systems of work for the individual’s tasks and environment; use of mechanical aids; practical work to allow the trainer to identify and put right anything the trainee is not doing safely. Manual Handling at Work – A brief guide https://youtu.be/KLkAC_eN2Hw?list=PLXgIzX4W16jfsNBIpJbJUoDOKIK3IaxCO Licence Standard YouTube Licence Lighten the LOAD