Templates
Manual handling risk assessment template

Manual handling risk assessment template

Assess manual handling tasks, record hazards, and assign controls for every team.

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.
  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Assign and track corrective actions
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF
Manual handling risk assessment template

Assess manual handling tasks, record hazards, and assign controls for every team.

Use this template with Lumiform

The Lumiform application helps frontline teams uphold internal standards effortlessly.
  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Assign and track corrective actions
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

Managing manual handling hazards is a daily reality for supervisors and safety leads overseeing lifting, carrying, and material transport. This template helps you systematically identify risky manual handling activities, assess the potential for injury, and document your safety controls. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual handling, lifting, and carrying are the primary causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

What sets this resource apart is its focus on the real-world demands of manual handling, such as repetitive lifting in logistics or moving awkward loads on busy sites. If your needs extend beyond manual handling, check out our dedicated fire, COSHH, or dynamic risk assessment templates as well.

Related categories

Preview of the template
Audit
General Information
Task Description
Are there indications that the task is high risk?
Select appropriate response
Kindly specify
Load weight and lift/carry frequency
Risk Rating
Note the weight of the load and the repetition rate of the lifting operation.
Lift
Carry
Hand distance from the lower back
Observe the task and examine the horizontal distance between the operative's hands and their lower back.
Lift
Carry
Vertical lift region
Observe the position of the operative’s hands at the start of the lift and as the lift progresses.
Lift
Trunk twisting/sideways bending
Observe the operative's trunk as the load is lifted.
Lift
Asymmetrical trunk/load
Load and hands are symmetrical in front of the trunk.
Carry
Postural constraints
The movements of the operative are unhindered.
Lift
Carry
Grip on the load
• Containers with well-designed handles or handholds, fit for purpose • Loose parts enabling comfortable grip
Lift
Carry
Floor surface
Dry and clean floor in good condition
Lift
Carry
Other environmental factors
Observe the work environment and the lifting operation that takes place: in extremes of temperature; with strong air movements; or in extreme lighting conditions (dark, bright or poor contrast).
Lift
Carry
Carry distance
Observe the task and estimate the total distance that the load is carried.
Carry
Obstacles en route
Observe the route
Carry
Completion
Recommendations
Inspector's Full Name and Signature
This template was downloaded 41 times

Frequently asked questions

What are the main hazards you need to look for during a manual handling risk assessment?

Key hazards include lifting heavy loads, awkward or repetitive movements, poor posture, slippery floors, and inadequate space. You should also watch for environmental factors like poor lighting or tight corners that increase the risk of injury during manual handling.

Which industries most frequently require manual handling risk assessments?

Industries such as logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and hospitality routinely perform manual handling risk assessments. These environments involve frequent lifting, moving, and transporting of goods or materials by hand.

Why do manual handling injuries remain so common despite existing safety rules?

Injuries persist because of rushed work, poor technique, lack of training, or underestimating the weight of loads. Changing processes, time pressures, and not having suitable equipment also contribute to the problem, even when guidelines exist.

What should you do if an employee reports pain after manual handling activities?

Take every complaint seriously. Review the task, check if current controls are working, and if needed, pause the activity. Adjust loads, provide extra training, and make sure the employee is assessed by occupational health before they return to those duties.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.