Manual Handling Operations Regulations

Category: Loss control & prevention · Reviewed by Taylor Watts, Broker · New Business · Last reviewed

Manual Handling Operations Regulations

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2793) — MHOR — require employers in Great Britain to avoid manual handling operations involving a risk of injury “so far as is reasonably practicable”, and where they cannot be avoided, to assess and reduce the risk.

Hierarchy of measures (Regulation 4)

1. Avoid the manual handling operation where reasonably practicable.
2. Assess any that cannot be avoided.
3. Reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.

The “TILE” framework

HSE guidance L23 recommends an assessment under four headings:

• Task — distance, posture, repetition, frequency.
• Individual — capability, training, health, vulnerability.
• Load — weight, size, stability, sharp edges.
• Environment — floor surface, lighting, temperature, space.

Guideline weights

HSE’s guidance provides advisory weight thresholds (e.g. 25 kg for a man lifting at waist height close to the body, reducing with reach distance and shoulder/floor lifting positions). Above these levels a more detailed risk assessment is expected.

Insurance relevance

Manual handling injuries (lower back disorders, upper-limb injuries, hernias) are a perennial EL claims category, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and care home sectors. Compliant MHOR assessments, training records and ergonomic equipment (mechanical aids, sack barrows, lift assists) are key underwriting and litigation defence evidence.

References

• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2793).
• HSE L23 — Manual handling.
• HSE INDG143 — Getting to grips with manual handling.

Cross-references

• RIDDOR
• DSE regulations
• Working at Height Regulations

Maintained by Matt Bartlett, Director, Apex Insurance Brokers Limited. FCA FRN 724952. Companies House 07014570.