Warehouse Manual Handling Risk Assessment

Is the load shared unevenly between both hands or lifted by one hand only?

Is the object pushed or pulled across the front of the body?

Is there frequent or prolonged sideways backward or forward bending of the neck or back?

Is there frequent or prolonged twisting of the neck and back to lift an object or to exert force?

Are two back movements performed at the same time?

Are several tasks performed in one position, where some are best done in a seated position and the other are best done in a standing position?

Is the layout appropriate for the manual handling task and the physical dimensions of the employees performing the task?

Is there adequate space for all movements involved in the manual handling task?

Is there an absence of appropriate mechanical handling aids for the task?

Having regard to the various heights of the employees concerned, are the working heights involved inflexible?

Is there adequate clear space for moving legs and feet?

Do the different manual handling tasks performed by one person involve excessive movement?

Is the object presented to the employee in a position that makes it difficult to reach or grasp?

When sitting is the task performed: a) below elbow level or above chest height?

When sitting is the task performed: b) for prolonged periods?

When standing is the task performed: a) below waist level or above shoulder height?

When standing is the task performed: b) for prolonged periods?

Is the employee working: a) in an awkward position? (bent or cramped position)

Is the employee working: b) for prolonged periods?

Does the employee maintain a fixed position when working? (e.g. sitting at a keyboard)

Is a chair required for the task? If Yes a) is the seat uncomfortable?

Is a chair required for the task? If Yes b) is the seat height fixed?

Is a chair required for the task? If Yes c) is there insufficient leg room?

Does the employee stand to perform the job? If yes: a) does the employee work without a footrest?

Does the employee stand to perform the job? If yes: b) is the floor surface unsafe? (i.e. wet, uneven)

When sliding, pulling, or pushing an object, is the object difficult to move?

If the task is performed whilst seated, does it involve lifts greater than 4.5 kg?

Is one-handed lifting/carrying of more than 4.5kg required

Does the task involve an individual employee lifting, lowering, or carrying loads exceeding 55kgs?

Is the employee required to push/pull while seated without having good seating and solid foot support?

Is the employee who is required to lift or carry more than 16kgs, less than 18 years of age?

Where the “object” concerned is a person? a) does the person need to be moved in a special way to ensure their health and safety?

Where the “object” concerned is a person? b) Is the person disturbed, excited, or moving vigorously?

Is the object an awkward shape to carry in a balanced posture?

Is the object difficult to grasp or hold safely?

Is the object unstable or unbalanced, or does it have contents that may move suddenly?

Is the object smooth, slippery, greasy, or wet?

Does the object have sharp edges or protrusions?

Is the object very hot or cold?

Does the object block the view of the employee while being handled?

Does one person handle sheet material or other large-sized loads without straps, special holders, or a second person to assist?

Is the object more than 50cm wide (measured in direction across the body)?

Is the object difficult to lift or carry close to the body?

Do bottlenecks, sudden changes or delays to the flow of materials affect work frequency?

Is the work supported by sufficient staff to complete tasks within a deadline?

Is team handling provided and/or safely organized when required?

Are there sufficient numbers of employees to carry out the work including where peak workloads occur?

Is there an effective maintenance program for tools, plants, and equipment used for manual handling?

Are the procedures for reporting and fixing unsafe equipment or environmental conditions adequate?

Is the workflow smooth and even?

Are there effective selection/purchasing, instruction, and maintenance programs for loads, equipment, and mechanical handling devices?

Are there sufficient numbers of employees to carry out the work including where peak workloads occur?

Are the floors and surfaces underfoot uneven or slippery?

Are there different floor levels in the workplace?

Is the workplace untidy with a lack of attention to housekeeping details?

Are there extremes of heat, cold, wind, or humidity?

Are there high levels of fumes, dust, gases, or vapors?

Is there excessive vibration?

Is the task performed in a confined space?

Is the lighting considered adequate for safe manual handling activity?

Are stairs, ladders, and steps poorly maintained, e.g. difficult access to cabins, and storage areas?

Are the demands of the task beyond the physical capacity of the employee?

For heavy manual handling tasks, does the employee lack experience with manual handling?

Is the employee inexperienced and or untrained in: a) recognizing manual handling risk and/or?

Is the employee inexperienced and or untrained in: b) in applying safe manual handling techniques?

Is the employee's awareness of general safe job practices adequate?

Where team handling is required, is it made unsafe by employees being of different heights, sizes, or lifting capabilities?

Is the task performed quickly and for prolonged periods?

Is the load required to be carried more than 5 meters?

Is the load picked up or put down: a) above shoulder height?

Is the load picked up or put down: b) below mid-thigh height?

If protective clothing is worn, does it interfere with safe manual handling? e.g. gloves too big, goggles distorting vision, heavy apparel/apparatus.

Does the employee's work clothing interfere with optimal manual handling techniques?

Are the ages of employees involved in this task, a factor to be taken into consideration in assessing risks?

Has the employee had a previous condition/injury/illness which affects their work capacity? Is the employee: a) new to the task?

Has the employee had a previous condition/injury/illness which affects their work capacity? Is the employee: b) returning from leave?

Are the demands of the task beyond the physical capacity of the employee? For example: a) lifting capacity?

Are the demands of the task beyond the physical capacity of the employee? For example: b) heart and lung capacity?

Are the demands of the task beyond the physical capacity of the employee? For example: c) body size/physical?