MANUAL HANDLING TILE OR TILEO | GET YOUR FREE RISK ASSESSMENT

Ergonomic Manual Handling Techniques

TILE MANUAL HANDLING

Risk factors leading to musculoskeletal injury stem from 'manual handling'. Giving employees the right information and training will not only help avoid musculoskeletal injury at work, but should hopefully help them in their normal everyday life.  

How often do we wake in the morning and feel our back has already done an entire day’s work or find cuts and bruises on our hands? These are normally signs of repeated and awkward moves made or that our body was cold or simply that we did not feel it when we brushed against or lifted something sharp the previous day. Exactly the same injuries can happen at work, only there you should be protected from these hazards.

TILE Risk Assessment

Download our FREE manual handling risk assessment 

Manual Handling Injuries

Injuries can occur in any workplace. From a postman delivering parcels, to clerical staff working in an office or just simply leaning to pick something up from the floor. When risk assessing manual handling, it is recommended that you consult with your employees and or their representatives who know the risk in their workplace from personal experience. They can then likely recommend an alternative way to carry out the task or find a solution, together with their managers.

Suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) often result in injuries to neck and upper limbs, lower limbs and back pain. The manual handling regulations (Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992) require the employer to:

• Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling, so far as is reasonably practicable
• Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling that cannot be avoided
• Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, so far as is reasonably practicable.

They are further required to provide appropriate training and willingness to maintaining it on a regular basis. Ideally the workplace should be designed and organised to avoid manual handling or at least reduce it as far a reasonably possible by using mechanical or automated lifting equipment.

Five things to look out for in a manual handling risk assessment

1. The task

Ask yourself what does your task involve, in order to get the job done. Can the risk of back injury be reduced as far as reasonably possible? Does the task consist of twisting, stooping, bending, pushing, pulling, positioning the load, sudden movements, not enough rest or recovery periods during moving, team handling or seated work? Can your job be designed to reduce all of the above movements, for example can a lifting aid be used? Can the workplace layout be designed to expand effectiveness? Can twisting and stooping be reduced and can lifting loads from floor level or raising them above the shoulders be avoided?

Avoid repetitive movements and reduce carrying loads over distances. Bear in mind that pushing a load is better for your body than pulling. Placing the body under continuous awkward strain is also hazardous and can trigger onset of injury whilst carrying out load moving tasks.

2. The individual

Special attention must be given to the following category. People under 18, expecting or a young
mother, people with disabilities or who suffer from known or unknown health problems? It is
important that an individual knows their own strength and weaknesses. A person might appear very strong, but may perhaps suffer from a known or unknown chronic pain conditions and should not be made to carry heavy loads. In any case, employees should make their employer aware of any back pain history they might have had or still suffer from or have ongoing treatment for which could compromise their medical advice.

3. The load

First assess the load to be handled. If not labelled with information such as weight and content you need to establish if the load is heavy, difficult to grip, sharp, hot, cold and is its content likely to move. Arrange with suppliers prior, if possible, to individually label all boxes with weight and content in a conspicuous place. When attempting to lift, stand as close to the load as possible. Feet must be apart and one foot a little forward pointing always in the direction of where you need to move the load. Bend your knees and keep your back and head as straight as possible. When lifting always remember to keep the load to your body as close as possible.It is a guide only that men can carry 20-25kg and women 12-16kg. As previously mentioned, it all depends on the individual circumstances if they can or should lift loads (see INDG143(rev3)). If a load can be pushed rather than pulled then this lessens the stress on your back.

4. The environment

Assess the environment you work in and where the load has to be moved to. Do you have to carry the load over different floor levels, is the floor dry, uneven, wobbly or even slippery and is there plenty or limited space on either side? Depending on the situation the lift might have to involve a two man lift or it would result in an awkward body posture and make carrying or holding the load safely more difficult or take even longer. Different temperatures can affect the body in various ways, especially during heatwaves (a period of a few weeks when the weather is much hotter than usual), where hands may swell or feel sweaty and gripping becomes difficult. Lack of fluid intake in heat could result in the body tiring faster. Cold temperatures can also affect the body. It is recommended to warm and loosen up the body with a few exercises before starting a manual handling task in cold environments. Gripping can otherwise become difficult and lifting or reaching can have a strain on your back. Always ensure that there is sufficient light and you can clearly see what the task involves and where you need to head. Remove any obstacles from the intended direction of transfer.

5. Other Factors

Ensure clothes worn by employees do not hinder them whilst carrying out manual handling e.g. getting tangled or torn, which can become a risk to the individual. PPE (personal protective equipment) should be made available for manual handling. By wearing the correct PPE, such as gloves, it will protect from injuries such as cuts and punctures and safety shoes against foot injuries.

Manual handling acronym TILE or TILEO:

TILE or indeed TILEO is a simple acronym to help remember the manual handling safety process.

T - Task
I - Individual
L - Load
E - Environment
or
T – Task
I - Individual
L - Load
E - Environment
O – Other Factors

Refresh employees' memory by regularly providing training throughout the year. This can come in form of group training, toolbox talks or online self-training through a company portal e.g. TAM, shared drive or others. Do remember though, that all employees must sign and date their sign off sheet for the training they have received.

Comprehensive Manual Handling Compliance Training: Tailored for Your Business Needs

Looking for manual handling training alongside IOSH Managing Safely, IOSH Working Safely or Highfield health and safety courses? We bring customised compliance training directly to your workplace, helping your business stay compliant with manual handling regulations while improving safety culture and employee performance.

Our face-to-face safety training programs are specifically designed to enhance communication, build trust and foster strong relationships with clients and employees. Whether you are looking for IOSH health and safety courses, manual handling training, or Highfield training certifications, we tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of your industry.

Why Choose Our Manual Handling and Health and Safety Training?

• Reduce Risk of Injury: Our manual handling training reduces the risk of employee injury, improving both safety and productivity.
• Increase Employee Engagement & Commitment: Our hands-on training boosts employee creativity, loyalty, and commitment to safety protocols.
• Real-Life Scenarios & Practical Demonstrations: Learn manual handling techniques through practical training that ensures better understanding and retention of safety procedures.
• Tailored to Your Business: Our onsite manual handling and health and safety training is customisecd to fit the specific needs of your company, improving overall brand image and employee skill development.
• Boost Compliance & Safety Standards: Our IOSH and Highfield courses, including manual handling training, are designed to help your team stay compliant and adhere to the highest health and safety standards.

What We Offer:

• Manual Handling Training: Essential for all employees to ensure safe lifting, carrying, and handling of objects to prevent injury.
• IOSH Managing Safely: Comprehensive course for managers to ensure team safety and compliance with manual handling and other workplace safety protocols. 
• IOSH Working Safely: Ideal for all employees, focusing on essential manual handling and other safety responsibilities.
• Highfield Training Courses: Available at all levels, including entry-level, intermediate, and advanced health and safety certifications, with a focus on manual handling techniques. Our next Level 3 (a technically higher level and more flexible than the IOSH Managing Safely) is held on 4th and 5th of March 2005 in Chipping Norton. Closing date, 21st February 2025. 

Benefits of Choosing Our Manual Handling Training:

• Prevent Injuries and Accidents: Safeguard your employees with proper manual handling techniques that reduce workplace injuries and improve safety.
• Increase Employee Productivity: Proper manual handling reduces accidents, resulting in less downtime and increased productivity.
• Improve Employee Skills: Gain industry-recognised certifications, enhancing staff expertise and confidence in manual handling practices.

We are committed to helping you achieve a safer, more compliant workplace. With our customised manual handling and safety training solutions, your employees will gain practical, actionable knowledge that directly impacts performance, reduces injury risks and enhances overall safety standards.

Since 2009 we have been helping many a clients accross Oxforshire, London and the home counties. For more information or a demo of any of our online courses, email: info@hrsmanagement.co.uk or click on training courses and choose your course.

Tel: 01367 241 809 - m) 0 07884 005 420