MANUAL HANDLING OF LOADS
Manual Handling of Loads – Risk Assessment.
Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving loads manually are among the most common activities in Italian manufacturing. They are also a leading cause of workplace injuries and occupational diseases, particularly affecting the spine and upper limbs. Risk assessment for manual handling of loads is a legal requirement under articles 167-170 of Legislative Decree 81/2008. 81/2008. MTM Consulting performs these assessments using internationally recognized methods.
What is meant by manual handling of loads
Manual handling of loads includes all activities in which a worker, without the aid of mechanical equipment, lifts, lowers, pushes, pulls, carries, or moves an object. When performed under suboptimal conditions—due to excessive weight, incorrect posture, high frequency, or inadequate carrying distance—these operations can cause musculoskeletal disorders, inflammation, disc disease, and acute injuries with serious and lasting consequences for the worker’s health and work capacity.
Assessment methods used by MTM Consulting
Italian regulations and ISO 11228 standards define specific methods for each type of handling. MTM Consulting applies internationally recognized methods, selected based on the activity being analyzed:
- Lifting and lowering of loads: NIOSH method (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) – ISO 11228-1. Calculates the lifting index and recommended weight limit for each specific activity
- Pulling and pushing: Snook-Ciriello method – ISO 11228-2. Assesses the effort required to push or pull loads on horizontal surfaces, considering force, distance, and frequency
- Repetitive movements of the upper limbs: OCRA method (Occupational Repetitive Actions) – ISO 11228-3. Calculates the risk from repetitive movements of hands and arms, comparing actual technical actions with reference values
MTM Consulting service
MTM Consulting supports companies at every stage of manual handling of loads risk assessment:
- Technical site inspection at the facility for direct observation of work activities
- Collection and analysis of operational data (weights, frequencies, geometries, forces)
- Application of NIOSH, Snook-Ciriello, and OCRA methods with complete documentation
- Preparation of the Risk Assessment Document section dedicated to manual handling of loads risk
- Specification of prevention and protection measures: mechanical aids, work reorganization, operator training
- Update of the assessment in case of changes to processes or equipment
Why choose MTM Consulting
Underestimating the risk from manual handling of loads exposes the company to penalties in case of inspection and, above all, to injuries with serious consequences for workers and significant costs for the organization. MTM Consulting brings specific technical expertise, updated methodologies, and the ability to integrate this assessment into the company’s overall Risk Assessment Document. We operate from Monza and Turin for companies throughout Italy.
RESOURCES.
- Directive 2006/42/EC - Machinery Directive
- Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230
- Directive 2014/34/EU - ATEX Directive
- Directive 2014/68/EU - PED Directive
- Directive 2014/35/EU - Low Voltage Directive
- Directive 2014/30/EU - Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
- Directive 2012/19/EU - WEEE Directive
- Directive 2011/65/EU - RoHS Directive
Do you need consulting?
request Information.
Do you need more information or want to understand how we can help you concretely?
Fill out the form here: our team will contact you as soon as possible with a clear, precise response tailored to your needs.
Whether it is consulting, a project, or a simple request, we are at your disposal to find the best solution together.
MTM Consulting s.r.l.
The solution you were looking for.
Tax Code/VAT/CCIAA 02994950968
MENU
© Copyright © 2026 All rights reserved MTM Consulting |
Created by Key4web
| Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy