Manual Handling

With the rise in health and safety concerns operators are fitting a variety of manual handling aids to their vehicles. Not only do they make loading and unloading easier, they can also increase efficiency and save money.

A growing number of businesses operating light commercials are opting to fit tail lifts or light cranes to reduce the risk of workers suffering back injuries.

They realise that a bad injury can result in an employee taking legal action against them for failing to provide the equipment needed to lift and manoeuvre heavy items. As a consequence they may end up facing a hefty bill for compensation, not to mention substantial legal costs.They may also find they are in court for breaking the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Legal action isn't the only cause for concern, however. Back trouble can lead to a key worker being off sick for weeks on end and may mean they're incapable of returning to their previous job. Somebody will have to be found to fill their role, either temporarily or permanently, and that may not be easy.

Avoiding employee injury — and possible litigation — isn't the only reason for investing in mechanical handling aids. They can improve efficiency by speeding up the time it takes to deliver goods, result in reduced damage to consignments — no more dropping vulnerable packages out of the back of a Luton — and cut wage bills too.

It may be possible to complete deliveries that used to require two people with just one thanks to judicious use of a tail-lift.

The LOLER regulations cover the fitting, maintenance and operation of any lifting equipment. Lifting equipment is defined as equipment which lifts or lowers a load and all the associated attachments, for example Cranes and Tail lifts. The operator of the equipment is liable for the training and correct operation of the equipment. However the maintenance is the responsibility of the company who have the maintenance contract for the equipment.

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