Most physical jobs will involve some form of lifting and it is vital that workers perform such tasks in a safe manner and using the correct equipment to prevent accidents from occurring.

Care needs to be taken at all stages; from the maintenance of the equipment to planning the lift and finally carrying out the task.

Lifting equipment is defined as any equipment with the principal purpose of lifting or lowering loads and also includes any attachments used for anchoring, fixing or supporting it.

There is a wide variety of lifting equipment in use in workplaces including gantry cranes, slewing cranes, vehicle tail lifts, ropes and pulleys used to raise materials on building sites and forklift trucks and each comes with its own particular challenges.

It is also important to consider the accessories used with lifting equipment, for example chains, ropes, slings, shackles and eyebolts as these also need to be maintained and used correctly if accidents are to be avoided.