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Manual Handling on National Highways Toolbox Talk: Reducing Injury Risks in Highways Work
The Manual Handling on National Highways Toolbox Talk provides essential guidance on safe manual handling techniques for highways workers. This document is developed in line with Raising the Bar 8 (RTB8) and follows UK legislation such as the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and HSE guidance on workplace manual handling. It helps businesses mitigate the risks associated with lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling loads in traffic management and highways environments.
Manual handling injuries, including musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), are among the most common causes of workplace absence in the construction and highways sectors. This toolbox talk covers the fundamentals of safe manual handling, such as assessing load weight and stability, adopting correct lifting techniques, and using mechanical aids where possible. Workers are also educated on the importance of team lifting protocols, particularly when handling irregularly shaped or heavy equipment used in traffic management operations.
The document reinforces the need for risk assessments before manual handling tasks and highlights the four key steps of the TILE assessment: Task, Individual, Load, and Environment. This approach helps teams evaluate potential risks and implement appropriate control measures to prevent injuries. In line with Raising the Bar 8, it also stresses the importance of ongoing manual handling training to maintain safety awareness and competence across the workforce.
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Useful Resources and Links
Traffic Signs Manual – Chapter 8: Traffic Safety Measures and Signs for Road Works and Temporary Situations:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-signs-manual
Safety at Street Works and Road Works (The Red Book):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safety-at-street-works-and-road-works
HSE Guidance on Manual Handling at Work:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/manual-handling/index.htm
