Environment (21565)
Environment
Every workplace is different and it's essential that you assess the entire route that will be covered in the manual handling task to minimise the risk of injury.
Assess
Does the working environment have:
- Constraints on posture?
- Conditions that force a standing or sitting position?
- Bumpy, obstructed or slippery floors?
- Variations such as steps or different heights?
- Hot / cold / humid conditions?
- Weather conditions such as rain, wind or fog?
- Restricted movement due to protective or other clothing?
- Poor lighting conditions?
Solutions
Possible solutions include:
- Removing obstructions to free movement
- Providing better flooring
- Avoiding steps and steep ramps
- Preventing extremes of hot and cold
- Improving lighting
- Providing protective equipment
- Ensuring that clothing and footwear is suitable for the task