The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 lay down minimum requirements for securing the health and safety of employees who are required to undertake manual handling tasks at work. The extent of an employer’s duty is to avoid manual handling operations, which might involve risk of injury, but where this is not practicable to remove or reduce the risk using risk assessment as a basis for action. In addition to the above, other legislation which is applicable to manual handling includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999, and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Isle of Wight Council General Health and Safety Policy statement, any Directorate policies and the Health and Safety Training Policy. In order to reduce the number of injuries being sustained by employees and to further managers in complying with the many statutory requirements and associated codes of practice and guidance, this policy has been formally adopted by the Isle of Wight Council.