Manual Handling of Loads (MHL) is one of the most frequent activities in the professional field.

What's MHL?

MHL (short for Manual Handling of Loads) includes any lifting, moving, pushing, pulling of a heavy animate (person, animal) or inanimate (object) load.

In Europe, more than 30% of workers are involved in handling activities. 40% of men are employed in construction, building sites, road maintenance, 20% of women are involved in healthcare and patient handling.

What problems are caused by Load Handling?

Manual handling of loads can cause Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) as a result of trauma and injuries or from continuous and repeated operations.

The risk factors are many in terms of human, business and social costs. They must be addressed in terms of assessment but also in terms of the implementation of preventive measures and worker protection. In particular, four fundamental aspects of the operational scenario must be taken into account:

  1. the load (too heavy, too big, difficult to grasp, unstable or unbalanced, difficult to reach);

  2. work activity (strenuous tasks, incorrect postures, repetitive operations);

  3. the environment (insufficient space, uneven flooring, excessive heat, poor lighting);

  4. the worker (lack of experience, age, physical characteristics, previous illnesses).

To completely eliminate the risks due to Manual Handling of Loads, all manual lifting and/or transport operations by workers should be replaced by mechanical and automated operations.

How much do musculo-skeletal disorders affect work?

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common work-related health problem in Europe. In the European Union, a quarter of workers complain of back pain and almost a quarter suffer from muscular pains.

MSDs are a major cause for concern: they affect the health of individual workers, increase the business and social costs of European companies and countries, disrupt work rhythms, reduce productivity and can be a cause of sick leave and permanent occupational disability.

This condition affects 40% of men (mainly employed in construction, shipbuilding, road maintenance) and 20% of women (health sector, care and patient handling).

The epiemiological data from the European Community, as proof of this, indicate work-related musculoskeletal disorders in about 25% of workers, who show, mainly, back or localised muscular pains in the neck, shoulders and limbs.


What preventive measures are recommended?

The applicable preventive measures are different and have their own hierarchy:

  1. elimination: assess whether MHL can be avoided, for example by using automatic or mechanical handling equipment such as conveyor belts or forklifts;

  2. Technical measures: if MHL cannot be avoided, consider using supporting devices such as hoists, trolleys and vacuum lifting systems;

  3. Organisational measures such as job rotation and the introduction of intervals of sufficient duration should only be considered if the risks of MHL cannot be eliminated or reduced;

  4. information activities on the risks and adverse health effects of MHL; exercises in the use of correct equipment and handling techniques.

To completely eliminate the risks due to Manual Handling of Loads "all manual lifting and/or carrying operations by workers should be replaced by mechanical and automated operations".

Of course, this condition is not always applicable.


What to do to reduce risks?

It is therefore essential to behave correctly, reducing risks and maintaining a constant level of safety during Manual Handling of Loads.


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