What is this document?
INDG143 is the HSE's core guidance on manual handling at work. It explains what employers must do under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to protect workers from injuries caused by lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads.
Manual handling injuries are the single largest cause of workplace injury in the UK, causing over a third of all work-related injuries. Most are preventable with proper assessment and controls.
Who needs to read this?
- Employers in any sector where staff handle loads manually
- Managers and supervisors responsible for manual handling tasks
- Health and safety advisors conducting manual handling assessments
- Care providers where staff move and handle people
- Warehouse, retail, and logistics managers overseeing stock handling
- Employees and safety representatives wanting to understand their rights
Key points covered
The HSE guidance addresses:
- Employer duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
- The hierarchy of controls - avoid, assess, reduce
- Risk assessment using TILE - Task, Individual, Load, Environment
- Simple risk filters to identify low-risk lifting and carrying operations
- Pushing and pulling guidance including force limits
- Seated handling and workstation design
- When detailed assessment is needed using MAC and RAPP tools
- Training requirements for manual handling
How this applies to you
If your workers lift, carry, push, or pull loads as part of their job, you must:
1. Avoid hazardous manual handling where possible
Can you eliminate the need for manual handling? Consider:
- Redesigning the process or product
- Using mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists, conveyors)
- Relocating work to avoid transport
2. Assess remaining manual handling operations
Use the TILE framework to assess risks:
- Task - What makes the handling operation risky? (twisting, reaching, repetition)
- Individual - Who is doing the work? (capability, training, health conditions)
- Load - What are the load characteristics? (weight, shape, stability, grip)
- Environment - What are the working conditions? (space, floor surface, lighting, temperature)
3. Reduce risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable
Common controls include:
- Reducing load weight or size
- Providing handling aids and equipment
- Improving work layout and heights
- Training staff in safe handling techniques
- Allowing adequate rest breaks
- Team handling for heavier loads
Key points to remember
- There is no single "safe weight limit" - risk depends on all TILE factors
- Light loads can still cause injury through repetition or poor posture
- Training alone is not enough - you must also address task design and equipment
- Assessments must be reviewed when circumstances change
Related Safety Clarity content
- Manual Handling Safety - Comprehensive guide to manual handling duties
- Workplace Safety Requirements - General employer health and safety duties
Source: This page summarises HSE guidance document INDG143. For the full official guidance, visit the HSE website.