STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Codes

1. STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Codes • SHE communication is an area the STFC needs to improve and a simple demonstration of effective safety management – e-mails alone are not enough • This package is one of a series of STFC SHE Code – updates, revisions and launches. • Simple presentations will be available for all Codes and should be used by STFC Managers at all levels to cascade the key messages to all staff and contractors.

2. Simplified format for SHE Codes To aid their communication and understanding - simple language and clear responsibilities • Purpose – why the code exists • Scope – where it does and does not apply • Definitions – of key terms • Responsibilities – set out by role – read the part applicable to you, simple languageAppendices - specific to the code but include standard appendices for the training relevant to the code, and an audit checklist

3. Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group Introduction to SHE Code 12 - Safe Manual Handling Operations

4. Why Safe Manual handling? • “Musculoskeletal disorders cost the economy about £5.7 billion in 1995/6”– Source: HSE Better Backs Campaign • Over a third of all over-three–day injuries reported annually to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are caused by manual handling. • This code describes how manual handling operations can be carried out safely, and sets out how the STFC meets the requirements of the Manual Handling of Loads Regulations 1992.

5. Application of the code • This Code applies to all STFC employees, visitors, facility users and tenants and their activities on STFC sites • Contract Superintending Officers should ensure that contractors working at STFC sites assess manual handling hazards encountered during their work • The code does not apply in emergencies, or where life saving actions are being undertaken for example lifting injured persons

6. Key points • As managers do you know what manual handling activities that your staff undertake? • Do you know what the upper weight limits are for lifting by men and women? • Documented manual handling assessments are required for significant handling activities – stored in SHE Enterprise • Minimise the risk of injury to yourself or others by: • Carrying out the task in a way that avoids the need for manual handling; • Using lifting aids e.g. pallet trucks, trolleys or sack trucks; • Using recommended kinetic lifting techniques; and • Ensuring that all relevant information on load’s are provided, for example: the weight; centre of gravity; contents etc.

7. SHE Training • Recognising the importance of competence in safety management - a standard appendix to each SHE code lists necessary training. • Training appendices should be used by managers and staff when considering new hazards or in general as part of Annual Performance Reviews (APRs).- see SHE Code 10 ‘Provision of SHE training’ • As each code is launched relevant training will be set up for staff. • To book this training contact your local SHE training contacts: • RAL 8288 • DL 3600

8. Further questions Don’t hesitate to contact your local SHE Group or your Departmental Safety Contact if you have questions on the content or the format of the presentation.