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The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where they reasonably can, assess the risk where they cannot, and reduce that risk. They apply to any lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving of a load by hand or by bodily force.
What counts as manual handling
Moving any load by hand or bodily force: boxes, sacks, equipment, materials, furniture, and in care settings, people. It includes pushing a trolley and pulling a pallet truck as well as lifting.
The three duties on employers
- Avoid hazardous manual handling so far as is reasonably practicable, for example by redesigning the task or using mechanical aids.
- Assess any hazardous manual handling that cannot be avoided.
- Reduce the risk of injury so far as is reasonably practicable.
Employers must also give workers information on the weight of loads where possible, and suitable training.
The TILE assessment
The assessment looks at four things, often remembered as TILE (or LITE):
| Factor | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Task | Twisting, stooping, reaching, carrying long distances, repetition |
| Individual | Fitness, training, health, pregnancy, age |
| Load | Weight, size, grip, stability, sharp or hot |
| Environment | Space, floors, steps, lighting, temperature |
What employees must do
Employees must follow the safe systems of work their employer puts in place and use the equipment provided. In practice that means using the trolley, asking for help with awkward loads and reporting problems.
Is there a maximum weight?
No. The regulations do not set a weight limit. HSE publishes guideline figures to help with assessment, but every task depends on the person, the load, how it is moved and where.
What training the law expects: online or classroom?
The law asks for training that is suitable for the work. It does not say online or classroom.
| eLearning | Classroom | |
|---|---|---|
| Course | Manual Handling eLearning | Manual Handling Awareness |
| Length | About 30 minutes | Half a day |
| Practical lifting | No | Yes, with real loads |
| Best for | Office and lower-risk roles, refreshers | Anyone who handles loads every day |
The eLearning certificate is valid for three years, and we recommend refreshing classroom training every three years too, or sooner if the work changes. Larger organisations can also train their own trainers with our Manual Handling Train the Trainer course.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992?
The UK law that requires employers to avoid, assess and reduce the risk of injury from manual handling.
Is there a legal maximum weight for lifting?
No. The regulations set no weight limit; risk depends on the task, the person, the load and the environment.
Is online manual handling training legal?
Yes, if it is suitable for the person’s tasks. For frequent or heavy handling, practical training is usually needed.
How often should manual handling training be refreshed?
Every three years, or sooner if the work changes.
Read the source
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (SI 1992/2793), published on legislation.gov.uk, and the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on the regulations, L23 Manual handling. Facts checked on 5 October 2026.
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