Manual Handling Risk Assessment Example
Example document for Manual Handling Risk Assessment. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: Manual Handling Risk Assessment
Example Document
Last updated 7/29/2026
Manual Handling Risk Assessment Form
Business Name: Smith's Bricklaying Services Job/Task Location: 42 Ocean View Drive, Site C Date of Assessment: 15/03/2024 Assessor Name: John Smith Position: Owner/Manager
1. Task Description
Task being assessed: Unloading packs of bricks (approx 20kg each) from pallets on the ground and carrying them to the brick saw located 10 meters away.
Workers involved: Apprentice Bricklayer (Tom), Labourer (Mike)
2. Hazard Identification
Tick the boxes that apply to this task.
Posture and Movement
- Bending the back forwards or sideways more than 20 degrees
- Twisting the back or neck
- Working with hands above shoulder height
- Working with hands below knuckle height
- Squatting or kneeling
- Reaching away from the body
- Repetitive movements (more than 2 times per minute)
Force and Effort
- Lifting, lowering or carrying heavy loads (over 15kg)
- Pushing or pulling loads with high force
- Using a tool or grip that requires high force
- Sudden or jerky movements
Vibration
- Using vibrating tools or machinery
Environment
- Working in a confined space
- Working on uneven or slippery surfaces (mud/sand)
- Working in extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Poor lighting
Other
- Handling people or animals
- Handling of loads that cannot be held close to the body
3. Risk Assessment
Initial Risk Rating (Before Controls):
- Low
- Medium
- High
Reasons for rating: Workers are bending over to pick up 20kg packs from the ground. The ground is uneven and muddy due to rain. They must carry the packs 10 meters to the saw. This is repetitive and involves significant back strain. High risk of back injury or slipped disc.
4. Risk Controls
Specific Action Plan:
| Action Required | By Whom (Person Responsible) | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire a petrol powered bricklift to move packs near the saw | John Smith | 15/03/2024 | [x] Done |
| Store pallets on raised timber sleepers to reduce bending | John Smith | 15/03/2024 | [x] Done |
| Provide task specific training on two-person lifting for remaining manual carries | Site Foreman | 16/03/2024 | [ ] Pending |
5. Residual Risk Assessment
Residual Risk Rating (After Controls):
- Low
- Medium
- High
6. Sign Off
Assessor Signature: J. Smith Date: 15/03/2024
Worker Representative Signature: T. Jones Date: 16/03/2024
Review Date: 15/06/2024
Notes
Notes:
- The assessor identified a High risk initially due to heavy lifting in poor conditions.
- Elimination was not possible (bricks must be moved), but Engineering controls were used immediately (hiring the bricklift).
- Storing pallets on sleepers reduced the need to bend to the ground.
- A remaining manual task was identified, so training was added as an administrative control.
About this Example
Part of the Manual Handling Risk Assessment document collection
Document Type
Manual Handling Risk Assessment
A document used to identify hazards and control risks associated with manual tasks in the workplace to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.