Manual Handling & Repetitive Strain

A free, confidential 12-question self-assessment (about 2 minutes) to help you understand your workplace health.

What it measures: Manual handling load, Repetition & posture, Symptoms & controls

What this assessment asks

1. How often does your work involve lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy or bulky loads?
2. How often do you handle loads from floor level, above shoulder height, or at arm's length away from your body?
3. How often do you carry loads over a distance, up or down stairs, or across uneven ground?
4. How often are the loads you handle unstable, hard to grip, or unpredictable (for example people, patients, animals or live objects)?
5. How often do you repeat the same hand, wrist, arm or shoulder movements throughout your shift?
6. How often does your work require bending, twisting, stooping, or reaching into awkward positions?
7. How often do you hold a fixed or static posture — such as arms raised, or standing or crouching in one position — for long periods?
8. Are you able to take regular breaks, vary your tasks, or set your own pace to let your muscles recover?
9. How often do you feel pain, aching or stiffness in your back, neck, shoulders, arms or hands during or after work?
10. How often do you notice numbness, tingling, swelling, or reduced grip strength in your hands, wrists or arms?
11. Have you received training in safe lifting and manual handling techniques for your current role?
12. Are the right controls in place to protect you — mechanical aids (trolleys, hoists, lifting equipment), team-lifting, and a manual-handling risk assessment for your tasks?

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