- Purpose
Manual handling is one of the major causes of absence through injury in the workplace. At First Kick Football, we provide staff training and carry out risk assessments to eliminate hazardous manual handling activities wherever possible. We comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), and the EYFS 2023 (paras 3.29–3.32, 3.64).
- Roles & Responsibilities
– Operations Director – ensures manual handling training, risk assessments, and safe systems of work are in place.
– Office Team – maintain training records and risk assessment documents.
– Holiday Club Manager – responsible for implementing safe systems on site, supervising equipment setup, and ensuring staff follow procedures.
– All Staff – apply training, use correct lifting techniques, and report concerns or injuries.
- Risk Assessment
Where manual handling cannot be avoided, the risk is assessed considering:
– The task
– The load
– The individual carrying it out
– The working environment
The most common manual handling hazard at First Kick Football is setting up and clearing away equipment. Staff should:
– Use correct techniques from training.
– Seek help from another staff member for heavy/bulky items (e.g., tables, goals, mats).
– Avoid unnecessary lifting where equipment can be moved safely by trolley or other aids.
- Employee Duties
All staff must:
– Comply with manual handling training and instructions.
– Avoid unsafe lifting practices that may endanger themselves or others.
– Report any health or medical conditions (e.g., pregnancy, back problems) that may affect their ability to lift safely.
- Key Principles
– Avoid manual handling where possible.
– Assess risks before lifting or carrying.
– Reduce risks by using safe systems of work.
– Review systems regularly for effectiveness.
- Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by legislation or following an incident.