Page 1 of 3 MANUAL HANDLING POLICY AND PROCEDURE 1. AIMS 1.1 This policy sets out WATMOS’ commitment to meeting the requirements of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended. It requires that the potential for harm to staff as a result of undertaking manual handling operations is either prevented, or where that is not reasonably practicable, is adequately controlled. It is not the purpose of this policy to provide a comprehensive guidance to the Manual Handling Operations Regulations. It does, however, provide an outline of their requirements and the action to be taken. 1.2 Day to day responsibility for achieving compliance with the requirements of this Policy and Procedure rests with line managers assisted, where necessary, by the Human Resources Manager. 1.3 The requirements of this Policy are based on the principle that staff shall not undertake manual handling tasks having the potential to cause harm, unless they have, in the first instance, been risk assessed. Where the risk assessment identifies training to be necessary, prior to an activity being undertaken, this shall be provided, together with any essential manual handling and personal protective equipment. 2. WHAT DOES MANUAL HANDLING MEAN? 2.1 Manual Handling is the term used to describe the movement of loads by human effort being applied either directly to a load or indirectly by means such as hauling on a rope or pulling a lever. It includes transporting a load that may be moved or supported by the hands or any other part of the body such as the shoulder. It also includes the intentional dropping or throwing of a load. Mechanical assistance, such as the use of a sack truck, may reduce but not eliminate manual handling since effort will still be required to move, steady or position a load. 2.2 Manual handling does, therefore, cover all aspects of the physical effort involved in the lifting, pushing and pulling of loads. 3. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 3.1 Where staff are required to undertake manual handling activities it is important to ensure that the following hierarchy of risk control measures is in place as required under the Regulations. Eliminate or avoid the need for hazardous manual handling Undertake a review of manual handling tasks to establish, in the first instance, whether these need to be undertaken or whether less hazardous options are available. For the tasks remaining, identify who might be harmed in undertaking them, how, and the harm that may be caused. For those manual handling activities that remain, assess the risk of injury