Occupational health & safety

Manual Handling

Meaning statusEstablishedSource recordDirect document linkedWhy these are different

Definition

Manual handling is any activity requiring a worker to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, hold or restrain a load by hand or bodily force. It is the most common cause of occupational fatigue, lower back pain and lower back injuries; risk depends on the load, the task (force, posture, frequency, duration) and workplace conditions.

References

CCOHSManual materials handling — introduction

definition, leading cause of back injuries, hazard factors

ISOISO 11228-1 Ergonomics — Manual handling

international risk assessment standard (see Batch 19 entry, ID 1557)

Overview

What it means

Hazardous manual handling combines heavy or awkward loads, bent or twisted postures, repetition, and poor environments (uneven floors, confined spaces, temperature extremes). Prevention follows a hierarchy: eliminate the task, mechanise, redesign, then train in safe technique.

How it is used

Regulated under manual handling operations rules in many jurisdictions; risk assessment standards such as ISO 11228-1 set recommended limits for lifting and carrying. Employers must assess tasks and control risks.

Why it matters

Manual handling injuries are a leading driver of musculoskeletal disorders, lost workdays and compensation claims across logistics, healthcare, construction and agriculture. **Note:** In-batch merge: 1698 (manual handling duplicate) → this entry.