DON'T PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT!
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• Health and safety is a major concern to removals operators. One of the more obvious risks is that, more than any other sector of the haulage industry, the job involves manoeuvring a large, high vehicle with poor visibility in densely populated residential areas.
But perhaps the biggest potential for injury is lifting. According to the Health & Safety Executive, more than one-third of all accidents reported each year arise from manual handling, and few industries require more manual handling of heavy, irregular and bulky objects than removals. Many iNuries caused by manual lifting do not happen suddenly, but are the result of repeated strain on the back.
All removals operators have a duty to safeguard their employees against such injury under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. Proper training and the provision of appropriate lifting equipment are essential to minimise the accident rate.
Under the regulations, employers must: • Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling as far as reasonably practicable.
• Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling that can't be avoided.
• Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, as far as reasonably practicable.
Employees also have duties under the regulations. They should: • Follow appropriate systems of work laid down for their safety.
• Make proper use of equipment provided for their safety.
• Co-operate with their employer on health and safety matters.