What are the 3 principles of safe moving and handling?
David Craig
Updated on April 01, 2026
Basic principles of safe moving and handling
- Plan the lift and carefully consider whether additional lifting aids are needed.
- Reduce the distance of the lift where possible.
- Map out your route and remove any objections that may cause an obstruction.
- Wear suitable clothing that doesn’t threaten to obstruct the lift.
What factors should you consider when assessing your ability to handle a load?
When assessing manual handling activities it is important to keep in mind that weight is not the only factor that needs to be considered. Other factors that should be considered include repetition, individual capacity, posture and the work environment.
What are the 8 principles of manual handling?
The eight principles of safe lifting are as follows:
- Assess the task, area and load.
- Broad stable base.
- Bend the knees.
- Keep back straight.
- Palmar grip.
- Arms close to trunk.
- Object close to centre of gravity.
- Move feet in direction of movement.
What is the first rule of manual handling?
Tasks may involve bending and twisting, repetitive motions, carrying or lifting heavy loads, and maintaining fixed positions for a long time. As with other risks in the workplace, the first rule is to look at a way to avoid the need for manual handling in the first instance.
Does two people handling halve the risk?
No. Handling by two or more people may make possible an operation that is beyond the capability of one person or reduce the risk of injury to a single handler. During a lifting operation the proportion of the load that is borne by each member of the team will inevitably vary to some extent.
What is the first thing to do before lifting anything manual handling?
There are some simple things to do before and during the lift/carry:
- Remove obstructions from the route.
- For a long lift, plan to rest the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.
- Keep the load close to the waist.
- Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body.
What is the correct manual handling technique?
Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it. Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially while the back is bent.
What are five examples of manual handling?
Manual handling covers a wide range of activities including: lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, restraining, throwing and carrying. It includes repetitive tasks such as packing, typing, assembling, cleaning and sorting, using hand-tools, operating machinery and equipment, and handling and restraining animals.
What are 5 common problems in moving items?
Check it out!
- Strained Back. No part of the body feels a move as much as your back.
- Broken Fingers and Toes. With all the running around, carrying boxes and loading things into vehicles your hands are going to be busy.
- Cuts and Scrapes.
- Knee Injuries.
- Sprained Ankles.
What is the law on manual handling?
Manual handling means transporting or supporting a load by hand or bodily force. The law sets out how employers must deal with risks from manual handling: avoid hazardous manual handling, so far as is reasonably practicable. assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided.
What are examples of manual handling?
Manual handling refers to any activity requiring the use of force by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, hold or restrain something. Putting boxes on shelves, painting, gardening, cleaning, writing and typing are some examples of manual handling tasks.
What are the techniques of safe manual handling?
What are the challenges of moving?
Challenges of relocating for work
- Moving is expensive.
- Your partner may struggle.
- You must find housing in an unfamiliar area.
- Finding the right schooling and child care can be tough.
- You may have to learn a whole new transportation system.
- You might experience culture shock.
- You have to make new friends.
What are the steps of manual handling?
Follow these 7 basic principles of manual handling when dealing with basic lifting, pushing, pulling, lowering, filling, emptying, or carrying:
- Plan your lift:
- Position your feet:
- Ensure a good posture:
- Maintain a firm grip:
- Lift smoothly:
- Keeping close to the load:
- Put it down… then adjust it: