CSCS Revision – Manual Handling

Lifting and carrying items on a building site is unavoidable. If you have to carry a load down a steep hill, always stop and assess whether it’s safe to do so.

Back braces are great for helping to reduce the risk of injury, but wearing a back brace does not eliminate all risk of injury, and they are not designed to increase the amount of weight you can carry.

Everyone is different, and the maximum amount of weight you can carry should only be decided by you.

If you have to move heavy items, it’s always advisable to divide the load into smaller, manageable loads, or use lifting equipment if any is available.

If you’re using a trolley and one of the wheels falls off, do not drag the trolley to your destination; instead, you should get another trolley or find another safe way to move the load.

Sometimes you will have to move large and awkwardly shaped items, like a large box, for example. If you have to move a load that blocks your front view, ask a colleague to help you carry it and make sure you both can see ahead.

If you have to lift and carry heavy items at work, your employer has a legal responsibility to carry out a risk assessment of the tasks to ensure you have a safe way of carrying out those tasks.

If you have to use a wheelbarrow to move heavy items, this is also considered manual handling.

Things can change fast on a work site. If you discover a better/safer way to lift a load than the method currently in place, speak to your supervisor and share your ideas.

According to manual handling regulations, it’s an employee’s duty to always follow the safe system of work put in place by their employer.

Lifting heavy loads can lead to various injuries; the most common injury most people face is a back injury.

Adopting a correct lifting technique is vital for preventing injuries. The safest way to lift a load is to place your feet slightly apart, put one leg slightly forward, and bend your knees slightly.

If you have to pick up a load that is heavier on one side, it’s best to place the heaviest side towards you.

Whenever you need to carry a load, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your safety. Consider the weight and dimensions of the load, the distance you have to travel and whether or not the path you have to take is clear and hazard-free.

It’s not advisable to move heavy objects while sitting, but if you need to move a load while sitting, you should keep in mind that you are likely to move less weight compared to when you are standing.

Unfortunately, back injuries are quite common in the construction industry. If you have a previous back injury and it’s affecting your current job, you should tell your supervisor before starting work.