Health Issues Associated with Poor Manual Handling

Manual handling may sound like a routine part of many jobs, lifting boxes, moving equipment, carrying materials, but when done poorly it’s one of the biggest health risks in construction, utilities, and many other sectors.

The Scale of the Problem in the UK

Around 17% of all non-fatal workplace injuries are linked to manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying or moving heavy objects.
Every year, more than 1.6 million working days are lost due to manual handling injuries.
Back pain and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common effects, with strains, sprains, and injuries to the neck, shoulders, and spine appearing frequently.
These injuries carry a serious financial cost: lost productivity, medical treatment, compensation, and potential legal penalties. For Britain, workplace injuries see annual costs in the billions of pounds.

Health Risks for Individuals

If manual handling is incorrectly done or happens frequently without proper support (training, equipment, safe systems), the health issues can include:

Lower back pain and chronic spine issues
Neck, shoulder, wrist strain
Long-term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Reduced mobility, fatigue, and sometimes permanent injury
Psychological effects from chronic pain or incapacity, impacting quality of life

Why Prevention (Training) Is Vital

Preventing these health issues isn’t just good for individuals, it’s essential for businesses. Here are ways that training and safe practice make a difference:

Reduces number of lost workdays and absenteeism
Improves morale, as staff feel their well-being is taken seriously
Lowers business costs associated with compensation, insurance, and medical care
Helps ensure regulatory compliance, Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) require risk assessments, provision of information and training.

What Good Manual Handling Training Covers

To be effective, manual handling training should include:

Accurate hazard / risk assessments of handling tasks
Safe lifting techniques and posture
Use of mechanical aids / equipment when needed
Understanding individual capability (fitness, health), body weight, load size
Repetition and proper breaks, rotation of tasks where possible

Courses That Help

If you’re in construction, utilities or any role involving manual handling, these courses can help protect health and improve safety standards:

EUSR Accredited Manual Handling – ideal for operatives and staff who regularly lift, carry or move loads. EUSR Approved Manual Handling
NUCO Level 2 Manual Handling (Principles & Practice) – more in-depth practical training covering workplace risk and best practice. Nuco Manual Handling FAA Level 2

Final Thought

Manual handling injuries may seem “just part of the job,” but the risks are real and potentially long-term. Good training, safe systems, and consistent practice help avoid injury, protect health, and maintain productivity.