News
Updated Dec 12, 2022

Log in →

Eight workers a-lifting

On the 8th day of Christmas Cedrec gave to me, ways to lift presents safely.

As Christmas Eve creeps closer those in the North Pole are getting ready for the busiest (and most strenuous) night of the year! Although it may be filled with magic, a lot of heavy lifting is left to Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves as they transport billions of presents around the planet.

Up to 1/4 of workplace accidents each year are associated with manual handling, which can be caused by lifting (presents), putting down (chimneys), pushing (sleighs), carrying (bags) or moving loads. A load can be an object, person or animal. Injuries are more likely to be experienced by those that have past injuries, making Santa's yearly lifting an occupational hazard.

Between the mince pies and glasses of milk, we've written some hints and tips for the workforce in the North Pole to consider to make sure they're injury free for another year of Christmas preparation...

What does the law say?

The following Regulations establish an ergonomic approach to manual handling in the workplace for the avoidance of injury, in:

  • England, Scotland, and Wales, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations SI 1992/2793;
  • Northern Ireland, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1992/535;
  • Ireland, Chapter 4 of Part 2 to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations SI 299/2007.

Under all of the Regulations, where possible, manual handling should be avoided altogether, but if this cannot be achieved steps must be taken to reduce the risk of injury to employees... and elves!

The following factors are important to consider when assessing manual handling operations:

  • the tasks;
  • the loads;
  • the training;
  • the working environment;
  • individual capability.

Reduce Risk

If manual lifting is the only option it may also be possible to reduce the risk by:

  • making the load smaller or lighter and easier to grasp;
  • modify workplaces to reduce carrying distance;
  • change the work routine to avoid excessive work rates and tight deadlines (delivering all those presents in one night?);
  • improve the environment;
  • making sure anyone lifting is trained to lift as safely as possible.

So what's the best way to handle and lift loads?

If manual handling is the only option available then these steps should be taken:

  • think before handling/lifting;
  • keep the load close to your waist;
  • adopt a stable position;
  • ensure a good hold on the load;
  • slight bending of your back, hips and knees;
  • don't flex your back any further while lifting;
  • avoid twisting;
  • keep your head up when handling;
  • move smoothly;
  • don't lift or handle anymore than you can easily manage;
  • put down, then adjust if you need to position the load.

Guidance

The following guidance throughout the UK and Ireland is useful for anyone dealing with manual handling, even if you don't wear a red suit or a pointy hat.

In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:

In Nothern Ireland Guide on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.

In Ireland:


View all stories