How Employers Should Protect You From Physical Strain - 5 Tips

Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from injury, particularly workers whose jobs involve lifting, carrying, and repetitive physical tasks, as these can lead to serious and long-term injuries. Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, steps must be taken to reduce physical strain and protect workers. Here are five ways that employers should protect you from physical strain.

1. Provide Adequate Training

First, employers should provide proper training for employees who undertake manual handling tasks. This training should involve practical demonstrations, advice on posture, and how to lift safely. This is key for preventing injury and ensuring that workers carry out their responsibilities in a safe manner and do not endanger themselves or their colleagues.

2. Use Mechanical Aids Wherever Possible

Where possible, employers should provide mechanical aids such as trolleys, hoists, or lifting equipment to reduce physical strain. Recent HSE guidance shows how increased use of mechanical aids can reduce manual handling injuries. If you suffer an injury from manual handling that was due to the negligence of your employer, you could make a claim for compensation to cover the damages.

3. Conduct Proper Risk Assessments

It is also a requirement that employers conduct thorough risk assessments before tasks begin. This will involve considering the weight, posture, and frequency of manual handling tasks. Employees should also be involved in this process so that they are fully aware of the risks involved in each task and what steps can be taken to mitigate or remove the risk.

4. Limit Repetitive Tasks & Heavy Loads

Job rotation and task redesign should be used to reduce repetitive strain, particularly in warehouses and construction settings where repetitive strain can be a significant risk. Additionally, employers should make sure that employees take regular breaks to prevent injuries related to repetitive strain and overexertion.

5. Ensure Workplaces are Fit for Purpose

Finally, employers should make sure that the work environment is fit for purpose. They have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for employees, which means providing adequate space for lifting tasks, clear floors, and good lighting. Workplaces should also be cleaned and maintained to ensure safety for workers at all times, which is key in industries where daily operations can create unsafe working environments.

These are five ways that employers should protect their workers when it comes to manual handling tasks. Every employer has a legal duty to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of injury at work, including providing adequate training, using mechanical aids wherever possible, conducting proper risk assessments, limiting repetitive tasks and heavy loads, and ensuring that workplaces are fit for purpose. Every worker should understand the legal duty that employers have and make sure that the right steps are taken to create a safe working environment for them and their colleagues.

Author Profile

Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com