Which legislation defines manual handling?

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 is the specific piece of legislation that defines manual handling. This regulation was established to minimize the risk of injury associated with manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, and moving objects. It emphasizes the responsibility of employers to assess manual handling tasks and take appropriate measures to reduce the risks, ensuring that employees are protected at work. The regulations require risk assessments to be conducted for manual handling activities and mandate the implementation of measures that can reduce the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders and other related injuries.

Other pieces of legislation, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, provide a broad framework for workplace safety but do not specifically detail manual handling. Similarly, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 focus on the safe use of equipment rather than manual handling tasks themselves. The Reporting of Injuries and Diseases Regulations 1995, while important for documenting workplace injuries, does not define manual handling as a concept or set out regulations related to it.