What is it?

Lifting plasterboard, shifting appliances, moving toolboxes, pushing barrows — manual handling is everywhere on site, and it’s a leading cause of back strains, sprains and lost time. The Manual Handling Template gives you a clear, ready-to-brief toolbox talk + safe-use guide so your team plans the lift, uses mechanical aids first, and moves loads without injuries.

Built for small builders, sole traders and principal contractors who want consistent standards, safer habits, and proof the briefing was delivered.

⚠️ Note: Supports duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) and good practice (TILE/O). It complements, not replaces, your task-specific risk assessments.

Why You Need It:

1️⃣ Cut Strains & Sprains at the Source Simple prompts to avoid the lift where possible (delivery to point-of-use, split loads, trolleys/hoists) and to plan what must be lifted.
2️⃣ Use TILE(O) Without the Jargon Assess Task, Individual, Load, Environment (and Organisation) in minutes: distance, frequency, grip, weight, stability, floors, weather, lighting, access routes.
3️⃣ Lift Like a Pro — Every Time Plain-English technique: stance, close to load, neutral spine, engage legs, smooth movement, no twisting, rest breaks, and team lifting rules.
4️⃣ Push–Pull Done Right Guidance for barrows/dollies: handle height, route checks, slopes, one person per handle, control speed, and spotters for tight spaces.
5️⃣ Document Your Duty of Care Includes briefing sign-offs, dynamic assessment prompts, and action logs so you can prove controls were planned and followed.

What You Get:

✅ Fully editable Word document (DOCX)
✅ Toolbox Talk script (avoid → assess → prepare → move → recover)
✅ TILE(O) checklist (quick tick-through before lifting)
✅ Lift planning sheet (route, rests, mechanical aid, team roles)
✅ Technique one-pager (stance, grip, spine, legs, breathing, pace)
✅ Push–pull guide (barrows, dollies, pallet trucks)
✅ Team lift rules (lead caller, count-in, coordination)
✅ Mechanical aids prompts (trolleys, plasterboard lifts, hoists, ramps)
✅ Environment checklist (lighting, surfaces, thresholds, gradients, weather)
✅ Recovery & early reporting (signs of strain, stop rules, first aid)
✅ Attendance register & signature sheet
✅ Action log (route defects, aid availability, refresher required)
✅ Spaces for your logo, project details & date

Built for:

– Sole traders and small builders handling mixed materials and kit
– Principal contractors coordinating multi-trade refurb/fit-out works
– Site supervisors who need a fast, credible manual handling brief with proof of delivery
– Trades moving sheet goods, appliances, plant, aggregates, and tools

Ready to move more — and injure less?

Grab the Manual Handling Template and deliver a no-nonsense, compliant briefing in minutes.