Almost a quarter of all accidents reported to the authorities each year are associated with manual handling. Virtually all workplaces have staff involved in moving and lifting as part of their routine work.

Manual handling injuries are often the result of poor lifting techniques. The most common injuries are to the back, but there are others:

• Hernias — injury in the abdomen caused by straining
• Wounds — cuts, scratches or bruises from handling sharp or rough items
• Fractures — broken bones caused by dropping heavy items
• Strains — muscles and joints injured by being overworked