How do I use TILE in a manual handling assessment?
Updated · UK law and HSE guidance
Short answer
TILE structures a manual-handling assessment around the Task, Individual, Load and Environment. Examine posture, frequency and distance; each worker's capability; the load's weight, size, grip and stability; and space, floor and environmental conditions. First avoid hazardous handling where reasonably practicable, then assess unavoidable work and reduce the risk.
| T | Task |
|---|---|
| I | Individual |
| L | Load |
| E | Environment |
| Legal priority | Avoid, assess, then reduce hazardous manual handling |
| Universal safe weight | None |
Task and Individual
For the Task, examine lifting height, reach, twisting, repetition, duration, carrying distance, pushing, pulling and recovery time. For the Individual, consider capability, training, experience, clothing and whether someone may be particularly at risk. Pregnancy, disability, injury or unfamiliarity can affect the required controls, but assessment should avoid stereotypes and use relevant individual information.
- Observe the complete operation rather than an idealised lift
- Ask workers where effort, loss of control or fatigue occurs
- Consider team handling coordination as well as individual strength
Load and Environment
For the Load, consider weight together with size, shape, centre of gravity, stability, temperature, sharpness and available handholds. For the Environment, check space, floor condition, steps, slopes, lighting, temperature, weather and obstructions. There is no universal safe lifting weight: the interaction of all factors determines whether the operation presents a risk of injury.
- Mark unknown or changing weights where helpful
- Keep routes clear and floors stable
- Avoid carrying loads that obscure vision
Use TILE to improve the work
First eliminate hazardous manual handling, perhaps by changing delivery, storage or workflow. If it remains, use mechanical assistance, reduce load size or distance, improve layout and grips, and organise suitable staffing and recovery. Training supports these measures but does not compensate for a badly designed task. Reassess after changes or symptoms. Check that equipment is available, maintained and actually used. Observe the revised task with representative workers before closing actions. SitePaper can generate a TILE-based manual-handling assessment.
- Prioritise effective design and mechanical controls
- Trial changes with the people doing the task
- Record actions, owners and completion dates
Step by step
- Avoid hazardous handling. Change the process so lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling is unnecessary where reasonably practicable.
- Assess the Task. Observe posture, reach, repetition, duration, force and distance.
- Assess the Individual. Consider capability, experience, training and any relevant increased susceptibility.
- Assess the Load and Environment. Check load characteristics, space, route, floor, lighting and conditions.
- Reduce and review. Implement mechanical, design and organisational controls and check their effectiveness.
Sources
- HSE: Manual handling and the TILE factors
- HSE: TILE risk factors for pushing and pulling
- HSE: Manual-handling risk filters
- HSE: Steps needed to manage risk
This guide summarises UK law and HSE guidance for small businesses. It is not legal advice; check the sources and your own circumstances.