The Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) were developed for risk assessment for MHL on screening level.
Different Worksheets for
Lifting, Carrying and
Team handling
are available. The description of the method including the different worksheets may be downloaded here:
Leaflet on Manual Handling Assessment Charts (file, 477 kB)
Further useful documents related to this method:
Interactive version of the MAC score sheet (file, 357 kB)
This interactive score sheet allows to enter the colour bands onto the score sheet on the computer. It will then automatically calculate the total score and give the opportunity to save it on the computer.
Introduction to the Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) (file, 3147 kB)
This short introduction gives a brief overview of the Manual Handling Assessment Charts in form of slides.
Origin
MAC was developed by
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and
Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL) and published in 2002.
MAC was initially produced to help HSE inspectors develop their knowledge and confidence in tackling manual handling issues. It is based on biomechanical, physiological and psychophysical studies drawn from the NIOSH equation and the Snook tables. After piloting and evaluation to show suitablility for wider use it was made publicly available and is used by inspectors, employers and employees including safety representatives.
Concept
- MAC identifies risk factors for three types of manual handling – lifting, carrying and team handling operations. It also helps to identify which tasks in a workplace need improvement first.
- MAC uses a score sheet where the user describes the task then the risk factors are considered using one of 3 flow charts which deal with lifting operations, carrying operations and team handling operations. For each risk factor a traffic light colour and a score are assigned by the observer using simple guidance in the tool. The colours help to show the risk from each factor.
- The total scores can be used to prioritise action between different tasks. Two or more tasks can be compared – the higher scores present more risk and should be tackled first. Scores can also be compared for proposed improvements - to see which would give most reduction in risk.
- The risk factors included in MAC do not cover all of the features of Annexe 1 of the Council Directive eg. individual factors. The score sheet can be used to record individual factors, psychosocial factors etc.
Target User population
MAC is used by inspectors, employers and employees including safety representatives.
It is easy to use and can be used by anyone in the workplace. Training videos are available on the HSE website to enable practice in use of the tool but specialist ergonomic training is not required for use of this basic tool.
Quality of methodology
Reliability, validity and consistency are verified. To give a consistent approach and to minimise the likelihood of error the instructions for use show examples of different risk factor scores.
Links
For further information on this method including literature please visit the
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website on musculoskeletal disorders
Literature
- Manual handling Assessment Charts (MAC). Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL) ISBN 0 7176 2741 1
- Monnington, S.C.; Pinder, A.D.J.; Quarrie, C.: Development of an inspection tool for manual handling risk assessment. Health & Safety Laboratory, Sheffield 2002
- Tapley, S.E.: Reliability of Manual handling Assessment Charts (MAC) developed for health and safety inspectors in UK. A field study. Field Operations Directorate, HSE, 2002
- Monnington, SC; Pinder, ADJ: Benchmarking of the Manual Handling Assessment Charts, (MAC) Health & Safety Laboratory, Sheffield 2002
- Care, B; Quarrie,C; Monnington, SM: Testing and improving the usability of the Manual handling Assessment Chart (MAC) HSE 2002
- Lee, D and Ferreira, JJ: Reliability and usability evaluation of the Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) for use by non-regulatory professionals. Health & Safety Laboratory, Sheffield 2003
