Latest News
Careers
Contact Us
Sign in or register

Email Invalid Email Address

Password Invalid Password Address

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account yet?

Create your YPO account today to enjoy exclusive offers and discounts, easy order tracking, saved wishlists and more.
Register

Manual handling and working at height

Blog
The YPO Team
15 Jul 2024

Adhering to health and safety regulations is extremely important in both schools and public sector environments. Following the right practices and using the right tools for a task like decorating a classroom, moving heavy supplies or accessing hard to reach areas, is a must.

Manual Handling

Manual handling and working at height are two factors in the workplace that can lead to injury. When employers understand and are aware of these factors, steps can be taken to reduce the risks.

Manual handling is the transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force. It can include lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, or moving loads. Manual handling does have a risk of injury if done with the improper technique, when done by an individual who lacks the capacity to handle the load and based on the nature of the task. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where possible and assess and reduce the risk of injury.

This risk can be avoided by:

• redesigning tasks to avoid moving the load.
• automating and mechanising tasks.

However, this isn’t always possible. In these situations we can use various strategies to reduce the risk of manual handling including:

• reducing the load of the task or breaking it up into smaller loads.
• modifying the work space to reduce carrying distances, twisting movements and the need to lift things from the floor or overhead.
• ensure adequate training for workers to use proper technique and understand and manage the risks of a task or environment.
• improving the work environment with appropriate space, flooring, lighting and air temperature.

YPO provides a variety of manual handling solutions designed to minimize risk and improve efficiency. Some top products include:

• Sack Truck: This sack truck is perfect for transporting heavy items with minimal effort.
• Platform Truck: For larger loads, a platform truck offers a sturdy and reliable solution.
• Shelf Truck: A shelf truck is ideal for moving multiple items at once, reducing the number of trips required.

Working at Height

Working at height refers to tasks where, if no precautions are in place, a person could fall from a distance that can cause injury. As it is one of the leading causing of workplace injuries, the Work Height Regulations 2005 requires the work to be properly planned, supervised with competent individuals and suitable equipment. Similar to manual handling it’s important to recognize the risks of a task and prevent them when possible. Work should be avoided at height when possible or minimise the distance from the ground.

When this is not possible strategies to minimise the risk of working at height include:

• Use safety and personal protective equipment (eg. Scaffolding, guard rails, harnesses, etc) that meets safety standards, is checked, and maintained regularly and is suitable for the task.
• Ensure workers are trained properly and do not allow anyone who is not competent (adequate skills, knowledge and experience) to work at height.
• Ensure the equipment used is comfortable and suitable for the working conditions.

YPO offers a range of steps and ladders that cater to various needs in educational and local authority settings. Here are some recommended products:

• Folding Steps: Ideal for quick tasks, these folding steps are easy to store and transport.
• Platform Steps: For tasks requiring more stability and working space, consider these platform steps.
• Telescopic Ladder: Perfect for reaching high places with ease, this telescopic ladder is versatile and space-saving.

The health and safety of workers when performing manual handling and work at height is essential. With adequate measures employers can ensure minimised risks, while workers can feel confident in performing the tasks of their job. We hope that the high quality equipment from YPO can assist schools and local authorities in creating safer work environments. For more information on the products mentioned and to explore other safety solutions, visit YPO's website.

Useful Links

• Folding Steps
• Platform Steps
• Telescopic Ladder
• Sack Truck
• Platform Truck
• Shelf Truck

Author

The YPO Team

YPO supplies products and services to a wide range of customers including schools, local authorities, charities, emergency services, public sector and other businesses such as nurseries and care homes. YPO are 100% publicly owned, by 13 local authorities, which means the profits made are returned to public sector customers, delivering even better value for money.