Manual handling assessment chart
Manual handling injuries are work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are the most common type of occupational ill health in the UK, and are a particular problem in the construction industry.
Manual handling assessment charts (MAC) were originally designed to help the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority inspectors assess risks in the workplace, in accordance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR). They are now used within the workplace to help identify manual handling activities that could pose a high level of risk.
MACs use a numerical and colour-coding score system to help employers and safety inspectors accurately assess risks posed by manual handling activities, and to understand and categorise the level of risk.
They allow assessment of:
- Lifting operations.
- Carrying operations.
- Team handling operations.
They include a flow chart for each type of handling which progresses through each factor of the manual handling operation step-by-step. At each step, the user is able to evaluate and apportion a grade to the degree of risk. An assessment guide then helps with the scoring of each task.
It is important to note that use of MACs is not a substitute for a full risk assessment, as it is not appropriate for all manual handling operations, and risk assessments should take account of other information such as individual capabilities.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.