Section 3: Risk assessment.

Where manual handling cannot be avoided, the employer: 1° Evaluates the risks to workers’ health and safety arising from handling operations; 2° Organises workstations in such a way as to avoid or reduce risks, particularly back and lumbar risks, in particular by providing workers with mechanical aids or, if they cannot be used, gripping accessories to make their work safer and less arduous.

When assessing risks and organising workstations, the employer shall take into account: 1° The characteristics of the workload, the physical effort required, the characteristics of the working environment and the requirements of the activity; 2° Individual risk factors, as defined by joint order of the ministers responsible for labour and agriculture.