Safety and Health of Workers in Manual Handling of Loads

A new Regulation on Ensuring the Safety and Health of Workers in Manual Handling of Loads (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia No. 84/23) is in effect. The main goal of this regulation is to curb the risks leading to musculoskeletal disorders among workers.

The types of physical burdens that are indicators of risks for musculoskeletal disorders include:

·         Manual lifting, holding, carrying of loads (3 kg or more): sorting packages, using machines without lifting aids, loading palletized goods, etc.

·         Manual pulling and pushing of loads using muscle power: delivering packages with a cart, moving boxes on wheels, waste removal, etc.

·         Manual work processes – repetitive manual handling: assembly work, soldering, sewing, sorting, cutting, handling money, manual inspection, cutting, hitting or knocking with hands, cashier work, etc.

When it is not possible to avoid the manual handling of loads, the employer must organize the work so that the activity is as safe and healthy as possible. For this purpose, the employer must, in advance and in accordance with the regulation, assess the safety and health conditions, study the risk factors, and take appropriate safety and health measures to reduce and avoid risks for musculoskeletal disorders (i.e. use of lifting and other aids).

All this must be carried out by the employer together with an occupational safety professional as part of the risk assessment based on the Occupational Safety and Health Act. We recommend that you connect with an occupational safety professional, who can prepare, if necessary, a risk assessment for the manual handling of loads for you.

If you have any questions, we are at your disposal.