Posted By Debbie S HELP! The company I work for delivers palletised consignments. We move in the region of 10,000 pallets a week (most of these will be single drops)and delivery locations can be farms, shops, warehouses, offices etc. The pallets can weigh anything from 20kg to 1200kg - so basically a very diverse range. Most pallets will be removed via Forklift Truck, but occassionally we do have to use taillifts and pump trucks Problem - have been told through independent audit that I need to do a Manual Handling Risk Assessment for my deliveries but due to the wide scope we cover am really struggling as I can't do TILE as I don't know what the delivery environment is like, we have over 100 drivers (couple of them female, age ranges from 25 - 65 I have done a Safe Working Procedure based on the figures suggested by the HSE - i.e. force required to move load, consider slopes etc which is OK. Any suggestions much welcomed.

Posted By Darren J Fraser Have responde to you off forum

Posted By Steven Debbie Your company needs to communicate restrictions on weight for deliveries where there are no forklifts present to collect/deliver goods. When companies enquire on a collection and delivery you need to ensure that they must have suitable equipment for the loading and unloading of vehicles on site. When I look at manual handling I stress to staff that an important part of assessment is themselves, everyone is different, that’s why we look at the individual when doing assessments. If the drivers feel that they cannot load/unload pallet safely then they should have the power to refuse. I like the idea of drivers carrying out a Man Hand RA – ex HGV driver!!! Or you splash out on these all terrain forklifts situated on the back of trucks!!!!! Steve– ex HGV driver!!!