Manual handling is one of the most frequent physical activities carried out in UK workplaces. Whether it’s lifting boxes in a warehouse, repositioning patients in a care home, or moving tools on a construction site, it’s part of everyday working life for many. Yet despite how common it is, poor manual handling remains a leading cause of workplace injuries, often with long-lasting consequences.
This guide explains how to apply manual handling techniques properly, how they affect your role and future employability, and why mastering them is a smart step for both beginners and experienced professionals.
Understanding Manual Handling
Manual handling refers to any activity that requires physical effort to lift, lower, carry, push, pull, or move an object or load. A “load” may be anything: people, boxes, materials, or tools. These tasks are particularly common in sectors such as construction, healthcare, retail, and logistics.
When carried out incorrectly, manual handling can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain, joint injuries, or long-term mobility problems. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that manual handling injuries account for more than a third of all work-related injuries in the UK, with most being preventable with the right knowledge and technique
Why Manual Handling Skills Matter
Correct manual handling techniques are important for anyone working in a physically active role. For employees, they help avoid injury and maintain productivity. For employers, it means reduced sick leave, fewer compensation claims, and better overall efficiency.
In sectors like construction, improper lifting and carrying can lead to more severe incidents, which often connect with broader health and safety risks on construction sites. Understanding how manual handling fits into the broader picture of workplace safety helps you take responsibility for your own health and the well-being of those around you.
Moreover, consistent good practice in manual handling can enhance your employability. Employers are more likely to value workers who understand basic safety expectations and demonstrate responsibility in physical tasks
Core Manual Handling Techniques
Plan the Task
Before you lift anything, stop and assess the situation. Ask yourself:
- Is the load too heavy or awkward to lift alone?
- Is the path clear of obstacles or trip hazards?
- Are there aids, such as trolleys or lifting equipment, that you could use?
This is your opportunity to avoid hazards before they occur. In some situations, lifting may not be necessary at all.
Position Your Feet for Stability
Your stance is the foundation of safe lifting. Keep your feet roughly shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly forward to maintain balance. Standing with your feet too close together when moving a load reduces your ability to adjust if the load shifts unexpectedly.
Use Your Legs, Not Your Back
The most common manual handling mistake is bending at the waist to pick something up. Instead, bend your knees while keeping your back straight and your head up. As you lift, use the strength of your leg muscles to raise the load. This approach significantly reduces strain on your spine.
Hold the Load Close to Your Body
The further away a load is from your body, the more strain it places on your arms, shoulders, and back. Keep the load close, ideally at waist height, and make sure your grip is secure before moving.
Avoid Twisting Your Body
Once you’ve picked up the load, always turn with your feet, not your torso. Twisting while lifting is a significant cause of injury. If you need to change direction, stop, pivot your feet, and then continue.
Know When to Ask for Help
Understanding your limits is part of safe practice. If a load is heavy, bulky, or uneven, always ask for assistance or use a handling aid to ensure your safety. You should also be aware of how to avoid manual handling risks, such as working in confined spaces or lifting while fatigued.
Safe Lifting in Action: A Step-by-Step Example
Let’s say you’re in a warehouse, and a package needs lifting from the floor to a trolley. Here’s how you’d approach it using the principles above:
- Check the path to the trolley, and clear it if necessary.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward.
- Squat by bending your knees and hips, not your back.
- Get a firm grip on the package using both hands.
- Lift smoothly using your legs, keeping the box close to your body.
- Walk slowly, and avoid sudden movements or turning while holding the load.
- Lower the box onto the trolley using the same motion in reverse.
This might seem methodical, but once practised, these steps become second nature and significantly reduce the risk of injury.
The Bigger Picture: Creating Safer Work Environments
While individual technique is important, safe manual handling is part of a larger system of health and safety controls. This includes:
- Clear signage and risk assessments
- Proper lighting and ventilation
- Ergonomic equipment and lifting aids
- Training and supervision tailored to job roles
Poor manual handling is often a symptom of broader issues. As highlighted in the consequences of poor health and safety procedures in the workplace, organisations that neglect basic safety often face greater financial, legal, and human costs.
Those in charge of teams or projects are particularly responsible for ensuring these systems are in place. If you’re in or preparing for a leadership role, training like the SSSTS course is designed to equip you with the knowledge to enforce safe practices and supervise others effectively.
🦺 For SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme):
Stepping into a supervisory role?
The SSSTS course equips you with essential knowledge to manage safety on-site, identify manual handling risks, and lead by example. Ideal for individuals seeking to advance in construction supervision.
Training That Makes a Difference
Reading about techniques is helpful, but practical training is where it really clicks. Our Manual Handling Course at Hurak offers a hands-on introduction to safe handling procedures in various workplace settings. You’ll learn how to assess loads, apply techniques, and comply with health and safety laws.
For those managing sites or larger teams, our SMSTS course builds on this knowledge by teaching how to plan and implement safe working systems, including manual handling processes, across entire projects.
🏗️ For SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme):
Managing teams and safety at a larger scale?
SMSTS is designed for site managers and senior staff who need a deeper understanding of health and safety responsibilities, including overseeing manual handling practices across complex operations.
Conclusion
Manual handling injuries are avoidable, but only if the right techniques and awareness are in place. For workers, it’s about taking care of your body and being able to perform your job without unnecessary risk. For employers and supervisors, it’s about leadership, responsibility, and fostering a safe environment for all.
Whether you’re just starting out or working toward a supervisory role, your understanding of manual handling could make a real difference, not only to your safety but to your long-term employability and career satisfaction.
If you’re considering taking on more health and safety responsibilities, understanding the key roles of a safety officer can be your next step. And remember, safety doesn’t end with lifting.
Check out these guides on fire safety at your workplace and practical fire safety tips to complete your knowledge
Frequently Asked Questions
What should always be done prior to lifting a load?
Before lifting any load, always conduct a quick risk assessment to ensure safety. This involves checking the size, weight, and stability of the object, as well as the surrounding space. Is the path clear? Is the load too heavy to lift alone? These steps help prevent unexpected strain or injury. When lifting a load, plan ahead; even a few seconds of preparation can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Where should you hold and carry your load?
Always keep the load close to your body, ideally at waist height. Holding the object close minimises the leverage force on your back and shoulders, helping you maintain control. Avoid stretching your arms out; this can cause imbalance and place unnecessary strain on your spine. If you’re wondering where you should hold and carry your load, remember: the closer and more centred, the safer.
In general, how should you position your feet when performing a lift?
Place your feet shoulder-width apart to create a strong, stable base. One foot should be slightly in front of the other to help with balance, especially when lifting from the ground. The phrase “feet must be close together when moving a load” is misleading; too narrow a stance actually reduces stability. A broader base gives you greater control during the lift.
What should you not do when lifting a load?
You should not twist your body, bend your back, or jerk the load upwards. These are common mistakes that lead to injuries. Another thing to avoid is lifting something that feels too heavy; always ask for help or use equipment. Also, avoid rushing. What should you not do when lifting a load often comes down to poor posture, poor judgment, or both.
What is the correct technique for lifting?
The correct technique involves the following steps: assess the load, position your feet correctly, bend your knees (not your back), grasp the object securely, lift using your leg muscles, and keep the load close to your body. Avoid twisting while lifting, and instead, pivot your feet to turn. These manual handling principles apply to most lifting tasks, regardless of the setting.
State one tip for safe handling and lifting.
One essential tip is to keep the load close to your body throughout the lift. This simple action reduces pressure on your spine and improves balance. It’s a fundamental part of safe manual handling and is often the difference between a smooth lift and a painful strain.
What is the safe limit of force to push a load?
There isn’t a fixed legal limit, but guidance from the HSE suggests that the maximum recommended force for pushing a load on a flat surface is about 20kg of force for men and 15kg for women under ideal conditions. However, the actual safe limit depends on surface friction, posture, and the height of the load. You should never push or pull a load that feels difficult to control.
When handling an uneven load, what should you do?
You should test the load first and check its centre of gravity. If one side is heavier, try to adjust your grip to keep the load balanced and close to your body. If necessary, reposition the contents or seek assistance. When handling an uneven load, you should avoid sudden movements, as they can lead to instability and injury.
Moving and handling include which of the following actions?
Manual handling encompasses a range of activities, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering, and holding loads using physical effort. It’s not just about lifting; any movement involving force on an object is considered manual handling. Recognising this helps identify more risks, especially when handling repetitive or awkward movements.
Explore Related Courses
Strengthen your knowledge of workplace safety and grow your career with training tailored to your role:
- Manual Handling Training – Understand lifting techniques, reduce injury risk, and stay compliant.
- SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) – For those stepping into a site supervision role.
- SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) – Designed for site managers to lead safely and legally.
- Health and Safety Awareness (HSA) – A solid starting point for beginners entering the construction or industrial sector.
- Fire Marshal (Fire Warden) Course – Learn fire prevention responsibilities and emergency actions.
- IOSH Working Safely – A short, engaging course ideal for staff across all industries.
- IOSH Managing Safely – For team leaders and managers responsible for health and safety.
