HSE; Festive warning manual-handling risks for workers
The HSE have just sent out an annual festive warning. With Christmas nearly here, the run-up to the holidays can be a particularly demanding time for those working in haulage, distribution, warehousing and delivery. An influx of parcels, stock and seasonal goods often means heavier workloads, more frequent lifting, pushing, pulling and general handling — and a higher risk of injury.
According to the HSE, “manual handling” includes tasks such as lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads by hand or bodily force. (hse.gov.uk)
In the haulage and distribution industry, hazardous manual handling might involve:
- workers lifting heavy or awkward items;
- pushing or pulling loaded handling-aids (e.g. pallet trucks, roll cages) around busy warehouses;
- delivery drivers loading and unloading heavy parcels across long distances;
- agency or temporary staff (often hired specifically for the festive rush) unfamiliar with tasks and more vulnerable to injury.
These situations increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) — such as back, shoulder, neck or limb pain — caused either by single heavy lifts or by repeated handling over time. (hse.gov.uk)
What the HSE Requires — and What You Should Do
Under the law, employers must manage manual-handling risks by following a clear three-step approach:
- Avoid hazardous manual handling tasks wherever reasonably practicable. (hse.gov.uk)
- Assess the risk of injury for handling tasks that cannot be avoided. (hse.gov.uk)
- Reduce the risk to as low a level as reasonably practicable. (hse.gov.uk)
In practice, that means — before the festive rush begins — reviewing all manual-handling tasks (especially the heaviest or most frequent), and asking a series of questions:
- Is the task strictly necessary, or can goods be moved mechanically (e.g. forklift, conveyor, pallet truck)?
- Is the load heavy, bulky, awkwardly shaped, difficult to grip or frequent?
- Is the work environment safe (e.g. flat floors, adequate space, good lighting)?
- Are workers trained properly, especially temporary or seasonal staff?
Where lifting/carrying can’t be avoided, the HSE recommends using mechanical aids or handling equipment (trolleys, pallet trucks, roll cages, etc.), rather than relying solely on manual effort. (hse.gov.uk)
Training staff in safe lifting techniques and safe use of any equipment provided is also important — but training on its own is not a substitute for eliminating hazards or using aids. (hse.gov.uk)
Click here for the full guidelines.
Why the Festive Season Needs Extra Focus
The holiday period places particular pressures on logistics, warehousing, delivery, and distribution:
- Increased volume of goods — more parcels, seasonal stock, last-minute orders.
- Higher pace of work — tight deadlines, heavy workloads, pressure to meet delivery targets.
- Use of temporary/agency workers — staff who may lack experience, training, or familiarity with the site.
- Repetitive tasks — frequent lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling throughout the day.
These factors can magnify manual-handling risks and increase the likelihood of MSDs. The more repetitive, heavy, or awkward the load and the more frequent the handling, the greater the risk to employees’ health and long-term attendance. (hse.gov.uk)
How iTip Safety Handles Can Help
Introducing iTip Safety Handles (or equivalent handling aids) into your manual-handling strategy can significantly mitigate these risks. Here’s how:
- Improved ergonomics and grip — iTip handles help provide a better, more secure grip on boxes or packages. This reduces awkward handling, the risk of dropping items, or straining backs, shoulders or wrists.
- Reduced reliance on raw lifting strength — with a secure handle and better leverage, workers are less likely to bend, twist or awkwardly hoist loads, reducing stress on the spine and limbs.
- Faster, safer handling during high-volume operations — during busy shifts delivering many parcels, handles can make lifts more uniform and ergonomic, diminishing cumulative strain.
- Particularly beneficial for temporary or less-experienced staff — easier, safer handling reduces the margin for error for seasonal workers or those unfamiliar with heavy lifting.
- Supports compliance with HSE guidance — by providing an aid that reduces manual handling strain, you align with HSE’s requirement to reduce risk “so far as reasonably practicable,” especially where loads are heavy, frequent, or awkward.
Used alongside other mechanical aids (pallet trucks, roll cages, trolleys) and good working practices (clear aisles, appropriate training, regular rest breaks), iTip Safety Handles can be a practical tool in your risk-reduction toolbox.
A Step-by-Step Manual Handling Plan for the Festive Season
- Conduct a fresh risk assessment before the busy season — review all tasks involving lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
- Prioritise elimination or mechanical aid — where possible, use pallet trucks, conveyors, roll cages, or other aids..
- If manual handling is unavoidable — supply aids with iTip and iRoll Safety Handles, gloves, trolleys; ensure good ergonomic design of tasks (loads easy to grip, weight manageable, environment safe).
- Train all staff — including temporary and agency workers — on safe handling techniques and correct use of handling aids.
- Monitor and review — encourage reporting of aches/pain, adjust tasks if injuries or near-misses occur, review risk assessment periodically.
Final Advice
Every festive season brings extra pressure on logistics and distribution businesses — but added volume and speed need not mean added risk to workers’ health. By applying the principles set out by the HSE and integrating practical aids like iTip Safety Handles, organisations can dramatically reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Protecting workers isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business. Fewer injuries means less time lost, lower insurance costs, better morale, and underlines a commitment to a safe, sustainable workplace.
Unsure what is best for your business? Contact our team for personalised advice, or browse our full product range . For more information, please contact us at:Hello@SafetyHandles.co.uk 📞0333 800 5000