HOSPITALITY SERVICES
Safer Manual Handling in Hospitality- STANNAH LIFTS-
Work-related illness and non-fatal injuries have risen in recent years, with 680,000 workers affected in the latest statistics. Within this, manual handling remains stubbornly high and one of the leading causes of workplace injury, accounting for 17 % of all incidents, according to the latest Health and Safety Executive report 2024-2025. As well as personal suffering due to injury, the consequences of an incident can lead to reduced productivity and increased costs for businesses.
Manual handling challenges in hospitality Manually transporting heavy goods through corridors is a risk to public safety, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Carrying goods up staircases also increases the risk of slips, trips and falls, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries affecting the back, shoulder and knees.
The Health and Safety Executive reported 511,000 workers are suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, with 7.1 million working days lost due to these conditions, showcasing the impact of poor manual handling practices.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 provides guidance for employers on how to avoid hazardous manual handling operations, assess the risk of injury from manual handling activities and reduce the risk of injury to workers.
Lift solutions for manual handling Installing a service and goods lift is one of the most effective ways of reducing manual handling risk of injury and strain. There are a number of lift solutions available:
Goods lift A goods lift is designed to transport heavy goods and loads up to 15 metres, such as beer barrels and kegs, bins, catering supplies and cleaning equipment.
These lifts are ideal in low to medium-rise buildings, including leisure venues, large hotels, pubs and restaurants. There are a range of goods lifts to choose from based on load requirements. For example, a trolley service lift and platform goods lift move loads of 300-500kg safely over floors, whereas a heavyduty goods lift can hold up to 2000kg and two people.
Dumbwaiters A dumbwaiter, also known as a Microlift, is a small service lift suited for lighter loads such as hot and cold food items, glassware, crockery and small supplies. They are commonly used in boutique hotels, buildings with dining areas and multi-level restaurants. With a load capacity of 50 to 100kg, dumbwaiters facilitate the safe delivery of goods between floors, eliminating the need for carrying loads up and down stairs and reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Ensuring safer manual handling For hospitality venues, dumbwaiters and good lifts provide a practical solution, protecting employees, safeguarding customers and improving operations. For business owners, investing in a lift solution is a commitment to safer manual handling.
Stannah offers a practical and easy-to-follow guide with step-by-step advice on identifying risks, improving lifting techniques and creating a safer workplace in hospitality. The guide also includes a risk assessment template and a ready-made business case to help secure investment in safer manual handling solutions.
Download the free manual handling guide:
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