What should you assess before performing a manual handling task?

Assessing the weight and size of the load before performing a manual handling task is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing injury. Knowing the specifics of the load allows you to evaluate whether it is within your physical capability to lift or carry. It helps in determining the appropriate techniques to use, such as whether assistance is needed or if mechanical aids should be employed. Understanding the load also influences how you plan your route, ensuring that you can navigate safely without obstruction.

The other options do not directly pertain to the critical factors that impact safe manual handling. Although evaluating personal strength and stamina, coworker opinions, and one’s mood may provide some insight into the overall readiness for a task, they do not replace the importance of understanding the characteristics of the load itself, which is the primary concern in manual handling scenarios.