Manual handling at a licensed premises, such as a bar, restaurant, or nightclub, involves tasks that require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving heavy items. Improper manual handling can lead to injuries such as strains, sprains, or back problems, making it important to follow best practices to minimize risks.
Licensing Professionals have developed this guide to safe manual handling at a licensed premises:
1. Risk Assessment
Identify Hazards: Conduct a risk assessment to identify tasks that involve manual handling, such as moving kegs, restocking heavy items, carrying boxes, and setting up tables or chairs.
Evaluate the Risk: Assess factors such as the weight of the objects, the distance they need to be carried, and the frequency of the tasks. Pay attention to confined spaces or uneven flooring that may make handling more difficult.
2. Training Staff on Manual Handling
Lifting Techniques: Provide training to staff on proper lifting techniques, such as:
Bend your knees, not your back.
Keep the load close to your body.
Maintain the natural flexion of the spine and avoid twisting.
Lift with your legs, not your back.
Use both hands to distribute the weight evenly.
Communication: Encourage staff to communicate and ask for help when a load is too heavy or awkward to handle alone.
3. Use of Equipment
Trolleys and Carts: Use trolleys, hand trucks, or dollies to move heavy items such as kegs, cases of beverages, or large furniture. This reduces the need for heavy lifting.
Lifting Aids: Consider using mechanical lifting aids (e.g., keg lifters) for very heavy items. Ensure staff know how to properly operate such equipment.
Proper Storage: Store heavy items, such as stock and equipment, at waist height to minimize bending or reaching when lifting or moving them.
4. Task Organization
Team Lifting: For heavy or awkward items, always have two or more people lift together. Ensure that staff communicate during the lift to avoid sudden movements or loss of control.
Minimize Distance: Plan routes to minimize the distance items need to be carried. Whenever possible, place deliveries and stock as close as possible to their intended storage area.
Break Down Loads: Encourage staff to break down large loads into smaller, more manageable pieces rather than attempting to carry too much at once.
5. Workplace Design
Clear Pathways: Keep walkways clear of obstacles to prevent trips or falls while carrying items. Ensure that there are no slippery surfaces.
Appropriate Storage Height: Avoid placing heavy or frequently used items on high shelves, where retrieving them may require awkward or hazardous movements.
6. Managing Specific Manual Handling Tasks
Kegs and Beer Barrels: These are among the heaviest items in a licensed premises.
Use trolleys specifically designed for moving kegs.
If rolling kegs, ensure there’s a smooth surface to avoid jerky or sudden movements.
Always use a team to lift and position kegs.
Moving Furniture: Tables, chairs, and bar equipment may need to be moved regularly for events or cleaning.
Use team lifting for larger furniture items.
Consider furniture with casters (wheels) to make movement easier.
Restocking: When restocking shelves or refrigerators:
Place heavier items on shelves at waist height or below.
Rotate tasks to avoid repetitive strain from constant lifting or restocking.
7. Posture and Ergonomics
Maintain Good Posture: Encourage staff to maintain proper posture when standing for long periods or performing tasks like restocking or cleaning.
Use Adjustable Equipment: Provide staff with adjustable shelving, tables, or counters to suit their height and reduce the need for awkward lifting or reaching.
8. Regular Breaks
Avoid Fatigue: Schedule regular breaks to prevent fatigue, especially during shifts that require frequent lifting or manual handling. Fatigue increases the risk of injury.
9. Handling Emergencies
First Aid Training: Ensure that staff are trained in first aid and know how to respond to manual handling injuries, such as strains or sprains.
Reporting Injuries: Encourage staff to report any injuries or near misses immediately so that risks can be addressed and further incidents prevented.
Manual handling at a licensed premises- A summary
By implementing these practices, you can reduce the risk of injury due to manual handling, ensuring a safer work environment for staff at licensed premises.
If you need guidance and training regarding the Licensing Act 2003, Licensing Professionals are here to help. Get in touch with us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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