Manual Handling Risk Assessment Form

Business Name: [Enter Business Name] Job/Task Location: [Enter Location] Date of Assessment: [DD/MM/YYYY] Assessor Name: [Enter Name] Position: [Enter Position]

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1. Task Description

Task being assessed: [Briefly describe the task, e.g. Lifting boxes of tiles from delivery truck to site storeroom]

Workers involved: [List names or positions of workers doing this task]

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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
• Working in extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Poor lighting

Other

• Handling people or animals
• Sitting or standing for long periods

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3. Risk Assessment

Initial Risk Rating (Before Controls):

• Low: Unlikely to cause injury
• Medium: Could cause injury, but not severe
• High: Likely to cause severe or serious injury

Reasons for rating: [Explain why you gave this rating based on the hazards above]

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4. Risk Controls

Select controls using the Hierarchy of Control. Choose as many as needed.

Elimination (Most Effective)

• Can the task be removed completely? [Yes/No/Details]

Substitution

• Can we use a lighter load? [Details]
• Can we use a smaller container? [Details]
• Can we use a mechanical aid instead? [Details]

Engineering Controls

• Modify workplace layout (e.g. raise workbench)
• Use trolleys, hoists, forklifts or ramps
• Use handles or holders to improve grip
• Reduce forces needed (e.g. friction reduction)

Administrative Controls

• Rotate workers to reduce exposure time
• Provide training in safe handling techniques
• Schedule maintenance to prevent faults
• Implement work rest breaks

Personal Protective Equipment (Least Effective)

• Gloves
• Safety boots
• Back support (only as supplement to other controls)

Specific Action Plan:

Action Required	By Whom (Person Responsible)	Target Date	Status
[e.g. Purchase pallet jack]	[e.g. Site Manager]	[DD/MM/YYYY]	[ ] Done [ ] Pending
[e.g. Train staff on new lift]	[e.g. Supervisor]	[DD/MM/YYYY]	[ ] Done [ ] Pending
[e.g. Install shelving at waist height]	[e.g. Maintenance Team]	[DD/MM/YYYY]	[ ] Done [ ] Pending

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5. Residual Risk Assessment

Residual Risk Rating (After Controls):

• Low: Risk is acceptable
• Medium: Further action needed
• High: Task must not proceed until controls improve

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6. Sign Off

Assessor Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________________

Worker Representative Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________________

Review Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]