MAN/Mechanical Aids/TBT-MAN-008

Team Lifting and Mechanical Aids

Manual Handling › Mechanical Aids › Team Lifting and Mechanical Aids

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Team lifting is used when a load is too heavy or awkward for one person to handle safely.
Two people do not double the capacity — coordination reduces the effective capacity significantly.
A team lift must be led by one person who gives clear commands for all movements.
Mechanical aids such as trolleys, vacuum lifters, and mini cranes should be used where possible.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid manual handling where practical.
Where handling cannot be avoided, the risk must be reduced using mechanical aids first.
Common aids include pallet trucks, kerb lifters, block grabs, and pipe trolleys.
Operatives must be trained in the correct use of mechanical aids and team techniques.
The load's weight, shape, grip points, and route must be assessed before a team lift.
Injuries from poorly coordinated lifts include back strains, crushed fingers, and dropped loads.

Prevent injuries	Manual handling causes over a third of all workplace injuries in UK construction.
Legal duty	The Manual Handling Regulations require mechanical aids wherever practical.
Coordination risk	Team lifts without a leader cause dropped loads and crush injuries.
Long-term health	Repeated heavy lifting causes chronic back pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

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See also: Manual Handling Awareness | Correct Lifting Technique

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