One in 5 reportable accidents in the catering industry is caused by manual handling. Most injuries are back strains, but many also involve arm strains and sprains due to repetitive operations.
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, your employer should conduct a risk assessment. The risk assessment should cover the tasks, the loads, the working environment and the individual worker's capability.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 mean that unless it is not reasonably practicable, your employer must avoid the need for manual handling by using equipment (trolleys, hoists, castors etc) or reorganising the bar or kitchen.
