Toyota guide aims to reduce workplace injuries

According to Health and Safety Executive figures, manual handling accounts for 41% of all workplace injuries (over three days). Employers have a duty to avoid manual handling as far as reasonably practical or, if it cannot be avoided, to take steps to reduce the risk of injury. The Toyota guide sets out simple rules to remember when handling loads, recommended lifting weight guidelines and advice on material handling equipment that could help reduce the risk to employees. A comprehensive assessment checklist is also included, which could help businesses to measure and assess current manual handling practices and identify areas for improvement. Tony Wallis (pictured), operations director for Toyota Material Handling UK, comments: "Toyota has long been synonymous with new ways to reduce risk in the workplace... We believe that this guide offers employers clear and simple advice to help them to meet their legal duties and to help reduce the huge number of injuries that stem from manual handling that are entirely preventable." The guide is available free of charge at www.toyota-forklifts.co.uk.