Which of the following would NOT be considered a potential consequence of poor manual handling for an employee?

In the context of manual handling and its implications on employee health and workplace efficiency, the correct choice pertains to the absence of a direct link between increased sick pay costs and manual handling itself. While poor manual handling practices can lead to various health issues, such as musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, and stress, which might then contribute to decreased work efficiency, increased sick pay costs are not a direct consequence of poor handling practices. Sick pay costs stem from the employer's responsibility to cover absences due to illness, which could arise from issues unrelated to manual handling.

Moreover, poor manual handling practices typically have immediate effects on physical health, such as causing injuries that result in musculoskeletal disorders. These disorders can lead to increased fatigue and heightened stress levels among employees, particularly as they struggle with discomfort and pain. Ultimately, these outcomes can, over time, affect employee performance and efficiency on the job. Thus, while each of the other consequences listed is a valid impact of ineffective manual handling, increased sick pay costs are more a result of the broader context of employee health and absence rather than a direct consequence of poor manual handling practices.