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
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.