Glossary

Manual Handling

Any activity that requires a person to transport and support a load (i.e. lift, push, pull, throw or carry).

Each industry has different types of tasks that involve manual handling and the risk of injury can occur if the task is repetitive, requires transporting heavy loads, places excessive force on the person, or puts them in an awkward or uncomfortable position.

Under the Health and Safety at work Act 2015, employers have a duty of care to minimise manual handling injuries by assessing, identifying and controlling the hazards that come with manual handling tasks.