These can arise from lost productivity, rehabilitation costs, admin and legal costs, and even compensation. In 2018, HSE calculated the average cost to the employer for each absence of seven days or more from ill health, caused or made worse by work. The figure came to £7,900. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as injuries from manual handling incidents can lead to these absences.

Manual handling in the rail industry often involves heavy loads and forceful pushing or pulling of items that can be awkward to handle. People involved in trackside and depot work, and in on-train activities are likely to be at risk of suffering MSDs and other injuries unless the risks are properly controlled.

To help you avoid manual handling injuries for yourself, and protect your colleagues, there is a good practice guide. It looks at typical manual handling problems in rail-related work. It helps you see what the level of risk might be for different scenarios. It gives suggestions and observations for how those risks can be reduced through good practice. The guide also shares ways to manage the risk of MSDs for employees.