The Importance of Safe Manual Handling In Your Business

Learn the essentials of safe manual handling to reduce injury risks associated with lifting and moving heavy loads effectively. All manual work involves lifting and handling to some extent. Although mechanical equipment should be used whenever practicable, much of the work will inevitably continue to be done manually. The risk of injury can be greatly reduced by a knowledge and application of correct lifting and handling techniques and by taking a few elementary precautions.

Manual handling relates to transporting or supporting of a load (including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force” It is the most common recognised reason for injury at work.

In any case, it’s not simply ‘pulling something’ because of the heaviness of an item, injuries can be brought on in different causes, for example:

• Reaching and lifting over your head
• Long carrying distances
• Twisting
• Bending
• Any poor stance positions
• Lifting or carrying objects with awkward or odd shapes

Over 20% of all accidents occurring in the UK Construction Industry each year involve injuries sustained whilst manually lifting and handling materials or equipment. This incorporates Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), e.g. injuries or pain in the body’s joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that support limbs, neck and back. Manual handling injuries can happen anyplace inside of the working environment; However, manual labour, existing injuries and unbalanced stance positions can increase the risks.

Manual handling can have consequential implications for the employer and for the individual who has been injured. The employer may bring about some significant expenses, for example, sickness payment, lost production, retraining of a brief labourer, over time to cover the absence and, possibly, compensation. The injured individual may find that their capacity to carry out their occupation has been influenced and their way of life may need to change.

In this manner, it is basic that you must consider the risks and where there are risks, regulations apply.

The Regulations establish a clear hierarchy of measures:

• AVOID handling operations involving risk of injury
• ASSESS operations involving risk of injury that cannot be avoided
• REDUCE the risk of injury e.g. using handling aids and provide information on the load
• REVIEW the assessment

Employers Duties

• Carry out a Manual Handling Assessment
• Reduce risk of injury
• Replace Manual tasks where possible
• Introduce mechanical aids

Employees likewise have responsibilities:

• Make proper use of equipment & follow safe working systems
• Co-operate with their employer
• Ensure others are not put at risk
• Avoid tasks likely to cause injury
• Co-operate with the employer to reduce the risk of injury to themselves and others

Safe manual handling training

Review our safe manual handling online training course.

Safe manual handling RAMS

Buy our manual handling risk assessments and method statement

There are numerous routes in which manual handling can be maintained, see the HSE’s brief guide on manual handling.

Falls from Height

Learn the strategies preventing falls from height. Falls from height continues to be the largest causes of major injuries and fatalities.  About 4000 working at height-related accidents occur each year at work and the most common cases are falls from ladders and through fragile services. Alarmingly, two thirds of all major injuries at work are caused by ‘low falls’ A low fall is a fall from a height below 2 metres.  A high fall is a fall from a height of more than 2 metres.

Top Tips for Preventing Falls from Height:

1. As with all work activities, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is key to preventing falls from height. The planned activity and location should also be assessed immediately before work takes place, in case there have been any changes since the original assessment took place. The above case is a good example, in terms of missing panels that had not been put back following previous works.
2. All parties involved should be made aware of the findings of the risk assessment, so there needs to be procedures in place to ensure good communication of the hazards, control measures and any changes to the planned works.
3. In terms of control measures, eliminating the need to work at height is usually the best option. However, in reality, that isn’t always possible. Use suitable work equipment such as a working platform, or an existing safe area with a permanent guardrail, and make sure workers can reach it safely.
4. All works should be supervised, and the job undertaken by competent staff. Assessing someone’s competency would include looking at their experience, knowledge and skillset, as well as their qualifications.
5. Consider both personal and collective measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall, where some risk does remain, such as fall arrest equipment or safety nets.

Most falls from height can be prevented, by ensuring proper planning of the work and by selecting the right equipment for the job. When equipment is not suitable, it can lead to workers finding other ways to complete the job, which can have fatal consequences.

Working at heights training course

If you are still unsure and would like to look at refreshing your knowledge we offer an working at height e-learning course for you to sit whenever is convenient for you.

You can download HSE’s Working at Height Brief Guide Here

CDM Construction Phase Plan

Know your responsibilities

As potential Contractors under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, you need to be aware of your responsibilities. The CDM Regulations require all construction projects to have a construction phase plan (CPP), you will need to ensure this is in place before any works commence.

Buy CDM construction phase plan template

You will need to produce a construction phase plan describing how you will manage the various safety aspects of the works. The Managing Director in conjunction with the Supervisor shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of secured contracts Health and Safety documentation. The Site Supervisor shall co-ordinate the activities of all operatives to ensure they comply with the construction phase plan including contract Health and Safety requirements and legislation, plus check on the provisions of information and training of all employees, where appropriate, as well as subcontractor’s health and safety, when appointed.

When/if acting as Principal Contractor the following protocol will be adopted:

• Develop and maintain a Construction Phase Plan as required by The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
• Through on-site management ensure that every contractor complies with the rules set out in the health and safety plan.
• Ensure co-operation between all contractors;
• Taken steps to ensure that only authorised persons are allowed onto the construction site area.
• Ensure that the particulars of the F10 Notification are displayed in a prominent location on the site where they can be read by any person working on the project;
• Keep the up-to-date with any information required to go into the health and safety file;
• Oversee and ensure compliance with Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
• Monitor and ensure all work is carried out in accordance with approved/agreed Risk Assessments and Method Statements and ensure that staff and sub-contractors are appropriately qualified/certified to carry out the work;
• Undertake regular site inspection and feed forward to regular toolbox talks with contract staff and sub-contractors.
• Manage the interface between the construction and the site operations to ensure minimum disruption to operations.

If your looking for help with the Construction Phase Plan and purchasing templates get in touch

What Is a Risk Assessment

What is a risk assessment? A clear, practical explanation for contractors, builders, and construction SMEs.

A construction risk assessment is a legal requirement under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It identifies the hazards associated with construction work, evaluates who may be harmed, how serious the risks are, and the control measures required to keep people safe.

In simple terms:
👉 A risk assessment explains what could go wrong — and how you will stop it from happening.

Risk assessments form the backbone of your wider RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements) and ensure safe, compliant, and well-managed construction sites.

Why RAMS Matter in Construction

Construction is one of the highest-risk industries in the UK. Without structured RAMS, accidents become more likely — especially involving:

• Working at height

• Manual handling

• Machinery and plant

• Lifting operations

• Excavations and groundworks

• Noise, dust, vibration, and hazardous substances

A RAMS helps contractors:
✔ Reduce accidents and injuries
✔ Stay compliant with UK law
✔ Protect workers, clients, subcontractors & the public
✔ Avoid costly delays, fines, or enforcement
✔ Win more work (clients now ask for RAMS upfront)

Do You Legally Need a Construction Risk Assessment?

Yes — every construction business must carry out risk assessments, regardless of size.

And if you have 5 or more employees, you must write them down.

Even sole traders are responsible for completing RA for higher-risk tasks.

SHOP For Your Method and Risk Assessments Here

Who Should Carry Out a Risk Assessment and Method Statement?

RAMS must be completed by a competent person, meaning someone with:

• Experience in the type of construction work

• Knowledge of site hazards

• Training in health & safety principles

Many small contractors use:
🔹 A health & safety advisor
🔹 A site manager or supervisor
🔹 An external consultant

Five Steps to Risk Assessment

There are five steps to a risk assessment. A strong, HSE-compliant risk assessment should cover the following:

1. Hazard Identification

Anything with the potential to cause harm, such as:

• Working at height

• Ladders

• Electricity

• Tools and equipment

• Moving vehicles

• Materials handling

• Excavations

• Hot works

2. Who Could Be Harmed?

For example:

• Workers

• Subcontractors

• Visitors

• Members of the public

• Delivery drivers

• Neighbours

3. Risk Evaluation (Severity + Likelihood)

This determines how dangerous the activity is and how urgently controls are needed.

4. Control Measures

This is where you state how risks will be reduced, such as:

• Scaffold with guardrails

• Machine guarding

• Dust suppression

• PPE

• Training and supervision

• Permit systems

• Signage

5. Residual Risk & Monitoring

Even after controls, some risk remains — this must be evaluated and monitored.

Examples of Construction RAMS

Common types include:

• Working at Height

• Manual Handling

• COSHH (cement, silica dust, adhesives, solvents)

• Excavation & Groundworks

• Use of Power Tools

• Lifting Operations

• Traffic Management

• Noise & Vibration

• Hot Works

• Confined Spaces

These normally sit within your RAMS pack.

When Must a RAM Be Reviewed?

RAMS should be reviewed:

• At the start of every project

• If the work changes

• After an accident or near-miss

• If new equipment or materials are used

• When site conditions change (weather, environment, layout)

A RAM is not a one-off document — it’s a living, working safety tool.

Risk Assessment vs Method Statement (RAMS)

Many contractors confuse the two, but the difference is simple:

• Risk Assessment → identifies hazards & risks

• Method Statement → explains how the work will be done safely

Together, they form your RAMS.

Benefits of Doing Proper Construction RAMS

For contractors and SMEs, the benefits go beyond compliance:

✔ Fewer accidents

✔ Stronger reputation with clients

✔ Better productivity

✔ Lower insurance claims

✔ A safer workforce

✔ Easier onboarding of subcontractors

✔ Higher-quality tenders and bids

Shop for your RAMS

It’s Quicker and more economical to buy RAMS that are written by professional health and safety experts. Some of our RAMS are twelve pages long and contain over 10,000 words. Save time and buy, they are only £10 each.

SHOP For Your Method and Risk Assessments Here

Conclusion: Construction RAMS Are Essential

A RAM is more than a form — it’s the foundation of a safe, compliant and efficient construction site. By identifying hazards, understanding the risks, and putting strong controls in place, you protect your workers, your business and your reputation. Learn the five steps to risk assessments and teach others.

Five Steps to Risk Assessment Infographic

 

HSE Video on Risks

Top Tips for Manual Handing

Did you know Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries?

Top Tips for Manual Handling. These injuries can include pain and injuries to arms, legs and joints, and repetitive strain injuries of all varieties.

Manual handling covers a wide variety of activities including lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering and carrying. If any of these tasks are not carried out correctly there is a risk of injury.

Here are the top tips to make sure you ensure you handle correctly:

• Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
• Lift with your legs and body weight.
• Use handles or lift aids where appropriate.
• Have a good grip on the load.
• Stand close to the load and face the direction you intend to move.
• Lift load as close to the center of your body as possible.
• Lift smoothly without Jerking.
• Avoid lifting, side bending and carrying loads with one hand.

If you need any help with Manual Handling why not visit our site:

Manual Handling Elearning

Manual Handling Training Presentation 

Manual Handling Risk Assessment

More top tips for manual handling can be discovered in our training programs.

Construction Site Safety Documents

Setting up a construction site and making sure that you have all the necessary documentation and details can be a laborious and time consuming task. Specialising in Construction and having experience on site we have been providing information to our clients for a number of years.

Based on the frequency we were asked to provide the details we decided to provide them as a product to help everyone who may need it.

Our Construction Site Safety Documents provide you with everything you need in one place allowing you to comply with the latest legislation.

The Safety Software includes

• 65 completed risk assessments
• 41 COSHH Assessments
• Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan (CDM 2015), which can be easily amended and edited for specific projects
• 70 Toolbox Talks
• Site inspection Check Sheets – Scaffold, Dumper, Excavator etc
• Permits to Work – Confined Space, Excavation, Hot Work, Asbestos, etc
• Site Setup Check Sheet
• Site Induction
• Site Rules
• Registers

STOP AND THINK

Our site management tools where designed to set up our own site many years ago. We put the files onto a laptop for our site managers. It saved us a fortune over the years both in time and money. The purchase of this site management toolkit is a great investment. Click on the link to buy.

Construction site safety documents and tools

 

Working at heights course

Working in the construction industry can make it difficult to avoid working at heights on a daily basis our working at heights course addresses this issue. Although it may not be possible to avoid the risk you can ensure that you manage it by being aware of how to work safely.

Working at height safely is the responsibly of your employer as well as yourself. You should always be aware of the risks and ensure these are managed correctly. Every new job you are asked to work on will have been fully risk assessed and you should see a copy of this before you start. These risks have been measured on the sequence of events you are working too, if these change you need to be aware of what to look out for to ensure your safety.

1. Where possible try to use extendable tools or mechanical assistance to avoid you working at height.
2. Try to identify a safe place to work that is already in place, e.g  a concrete flat roof or guarded mezzanine floor.
3. Never work on a surface that is vulnerable such as glass roof. If this is not possible explore the use of machinery such as  an elevated work platform or a tower scaffold.
4. Try and minimise the distance of a possible fall, there are numerous ways to do this safely
5. For jobs requiring a small distance form the ground, Stepladders and Platform Ladders are a suitable option. These can only be used where the risk has been deemed as low.

Working at heights training course

If you are still unsure and would like to look at refreshing your knowledge we offer an e-learning course for you to sit whenever is convenient for you.