The environment (annex, point 3)
- Little space, especially headroom.
- An uneven, slippery, sloping or unstable floor.
- Unsuitable temperature, humidity or ventilation, poor lighting or vibration.
Your personal factors (annex, point 5)
- Lack of physical fitness for the task or a previous back injury.
- Clothing, footwear or personal items that get in the way.
- Not having the necessary knowledge or training.
Clothing, footwear and back belts (INSST guide)
- Wide pockets, belts or accessories can get caught.
- Footwear that holds the foot well, with a non-slip sole and protection against falling objects.
- Gloves must not reduce dexterity so much that you grip the load worse.
- Lumbar support belts are not advised, unless prescribed by a doctor.
If you are especially sensitive (for health reasons or disability) or pregnant or breastfeeding, your employer must take it into account and adapt the job if needed (Law 31/1995, articles 25 and 26).
In practiceA cold store with a wet floor and poor light multiplies the risk of the same 15 kg
box that caused no trouble in the dry warehouse.
Source: Real Decreto 487/1997, sobre manipulación manual de cargas (manual handling of loads; consolidated text, in Spanish), annex, points 3 and 5 · INSST, Guía técnica de manipulación manual de cargas (technical guide, 2024 edition, in Spanish), comments on the annex, point 5 · Ley 31/1995, de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (Law on the Prevention of Occupational Risks, in Spanish), articles 25 and 26