This Manual Handling & Team Lifting SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out safe technique for lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling loads by hand, and when and how to do a team lift. It covers assessing the load and route, using trolleys and mechanical aids first, foot position and posture, keeping the load close, coordinating a two-person lift, and stopping when a load feels unsafe. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Warehouses and distribution centres
Retail and hospitality businesses
Aged care and community services
Trades and construction businesses
Manufacturers and workshops
 
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
 
What this SOP covers
Musculoskeletal injury from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing or pulling
Injury from awkward posture or repetitive movement
Sudden force from a load shifting, slipping or being caught
Crush or pinch injury between people or the load in a team lift
Being struck by or trapped under a dropped or overbalanced load
Slips, trips and falls when a load blocks vision or balance
Cuts from sharp edges, splinters, strapping or packaging
 
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from assessing the load and route to using mechanical aids and planning a team lift
A 7-step operating procedure covering foot position, bending the knees, keeping the load close, team lift signals and rest breaks
Controls for trolleys and hand trucks, unstable loads and nearby powered mobile plant
3 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for sudden pain or strain and team lifts that go wrong
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
 
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Agriculture & Farming SOP Bundle, Ultimate Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SOP Bundle, Ultimate Audio Visual SOP Bundle, Ultimate Automotive & Mechanical SOP Bundle, Ultimate Bricklaying & Masonry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Building & Construction SOP Bundle, Ultimate Carpentry SOP Bundle, Ultimate Civil & Earthworks SOP Bundle, Ultimate Cleaning SOP Bundle, Ultimate Concreting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Electrical, HVAC & Solar SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fencing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Fire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hire Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Hospitality & Events SOP Bundle, Ultimate Internal Fit-out SOP Bundle, Ultimate Joinery & Cabinet Making SOP Bundle, Ultimate Manufacturing & Industrial SOP Bundle, Ultimate Painting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Pest Control SOP Bundle, Ultimate Plumbing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Professional & Business Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Property Maintenance SOP Bundle, Ultimate Retail & Wholesale SOP Bundle, Ultimate Roofing SOP Bundle, Ultimate Security Services SOP Bundle, Ultimate Shopfitting SOP Bundle, Ultimate Steel & Metal Fabrication SOP Bundle, Ultimate Tiling & Waterproofing SOP Bundle and Ultimate Transport & Warehousing SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
 
Common questions
Does it cover team lifts?
Yes. It covers choosing a partner of similar height and capability, agreeing a lead and count, moving at the slower person's pace, and stopping if either loses grip or balance.
Does it cover stacking and storage?
No. Stacking, destacking and storing goods is covered by the Material Handling, Stacking and Storage SOP.
Should a mechanical aid be used instead?
Yes, where a trolley, hand truck or other aid is available and suitable for the load, it's used instead of a manual lift.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.