Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
SI 1992/2793•Status:CurrentAt a Glance
- Date Enacted
- 2 December 1992
- Enforcing Body
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Maximum Penalty
- Unlimited
- Jurisdiction
- England, Wales, Scotland
- Citation
- SI 1992/2793
- Status
- Current
What This Means for You
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) aim to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling in the workplace. They place a duty on employers to avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as is reasonably practicable. Where this is not possible, employers must assess the risks involved and take steps to reduce them to the lowest reasonably practicable level. While the MHOR doesn't explicitly mandate specific signage, it implicitly requires signage where it contributes to reducing risk. This includes signs indicating the weight of loads, areas where mechanical aids are to be used, or warnings about specific manual handling hazards. The regulations emphasize risk assessment and control measures, and signage forms a part of a comprehensive approach to manual handling safety. Failure to adequately address manual handling risks, including the lack of appropriate signage where needed, can lead to enforcement action by the HSE.
Key Provisions
Regulation 4Duties of employersHeavy load areas may need warning signs
Heavy load areas may need warning signs
Regulation 4 - Duties of employers
Heavy load areas may need warning signs
Signage Requirements
- Weight limits of loads to be manually handled, especially if exceeding recommended guidelines.
- Designated routes for manual handling, particularly where specific equipment or procedures are required.
- Warnings about specific manual handling hazards (e.g., uneven surfaces, slippery floors, obstructions).
- Location of manual handling aids (e.g., trolleys, hoists, lifting equipment).
- Instructional signs demonstrating correct lifting techniques, though these are often supplemented by training.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failure to display weight limits on heavy items.
- Lack of signage indicating designated routes for manual handling equipment.
- Insufficient signage warning of specific manual handling hazards in the workplace.
- Failure to provide signage on how to use lifting equipment correctly.
Practical Next Steps
- 1Conduct thorough risk assessments of all manual handling tasks to identify the need for signage.
- 2Ensure signage is clear, concise, and easily understood by all employees, regardless of their language skills.
- 3Regularly review and update signage to reflect changes in manual handling procedures or workplace layout.
- 4Combine signage with comprehensive training programs to reinforce safe manual handling practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MHOR explicitly require signage?
What is the employer's main duty under the MHOR?
Official Resources
Related Regulations
Workplace Regulations 1992
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers physical workplace environment including lighting (relevant to sign visibility).
L24Workplace health, safety and welfareView Full DetailsPPE Regulations 1992
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended 2022)
Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers PPE provision. Mandatory signs indicate PPE requirements.
L25Personal protective equipment at workView Full DetailsDSE Regulations 1992
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
Part of the 'Six Pack'. Covers computer workstations. Limited direct signage requirements.
L26Work with display screen equipmentView Full DetailsPUWER 1998
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
Updated Six Pack regulation for work equipment. Warning signs for dangerous machinery.
L22Safe use of work equipmentView Full Details
