As manual handling work is often repetitive, injuries may build up over a long period and it can be impossible to identify a single cause. The resulting loss of working hours means that reducing the risk of injury from manual handling operations will benefit not only employee health, but also business productivity.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992 require employers to take measures to reduce the risk of injuries arising from manual handling in the workplace. Under the Regulations, manual handling operations must be avoided if reasonably practical. If not, a risk assessment must be carried out, and the risk of injury reduced.

This factsheet explains the requirements of the Regulations and provides information about how to comply with them.