What is the primary duty of employers according to the Manual Handling Operations Regulation 1992?

The primary duty of employers according to the Manual Handling Operations Regulation 1992 is to avoid hazardous manual handling as far as reasonably practicable. This regulation emphasizes the responsibility of employers to assess and mitigate risks associated with manual handling tasks that could lead to injury.

By prioritizing the avoidance of hazardous manual handling, employers are tasked with evaluating the nature of the work and implementing measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury before workers are placed in potentially dangerous situations. This might include redesigning tasks, changing work processes, or using mechanical aids to minimize manual handling where possible.

While training on manual handling, conducting safety audits, and providing protective equipment are important components of workplace safety, they are supportive actions that follow the primary obligation to reduce the risk of hazards. The essence of the regulation is centered on proactively addressing risks at their source, which aligns with the objective of maintaining a safe working environment for employees.