Lifting and shifting - Wave style
Safe Manual Handling at Events:
Moving tables, chairs and event equipment is a routine part of many event roles—but it should never be treated casually. With busy venues, tight schedules, late-night breakdowns and constantly changing environments, manual handling can present avoidable risks if tasks are not properly planned.
At Wave Staffing, the wellbeing of our event staff is a priority. Our manual handling guidance helps staff work safely and confidently when moving furniture and equipment across venues in Oxfordshire and beyond.
Plan before you lift
Before lifting, carrying or moving any item, take a moment to assess the task.
Ask yourself:
How heavy, large, awkward or unstable is the item?
Is the route clear, well lit and free from hazards?
Are there guests, cables, spillages, uneven surfaces or pinch points nearby?
Can the item be divided into smaller loads?
Would a trolley, sack truck or additional team member make the task safer?
If an item feels too heavy, unstable or difficult to control, do not attempt to move it alone. Ask for assistance or use suitable equipment.
There is no expectation at Wave Staffing to “push through” pain or discomfort. Staff should speak up if they believe a task is unsafe and should never feel pressured to lift beyond their personal capabilities.
Use the correct lifting technique
When moving tables, chairs or similar equipment:
Stand close to the item with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart.
Face the direction in which you intend to move.
Bend at the hips and knees rather than rounding your back.
Grip the item securely using stable edges or designated lifting points.
Keep the load close to your body.
Lift smoothly using your legs and avoid sudden or jerky movements.
Turn by moving your feet rather than twisting your waist.
Avoid lifting items above shoulder height.
Break the task into stages where possible.
For chairs, only carry a small, manageable stack unless a trolley or another mechanical aid is being used. Tables should generally be moved individually unless they have been specifically designed to be transported in a stack.
Make use of mechanical aids
Trolleys and sack trucks can significantly reduce the physical strain involved in moving event furniture. They should be used wherever they make the task safer and more controlled.
Before using a trolley or sack truck:
Check the wheels, brakes and general condition.
Do not use damaged or defective equipment.
Stay within the manufacturer’s weight limit or the venue’s stated limit.
Stack furniture securely and keep the load stable.
Push rather than pull wherever practical.
Move at a controlled pace and take extra care on ramps, gradients and around corners.
As a general guide, avoid exceeding six chairs or eight tables per stack unless the venue has provided a lower limit.
Trolleys and sack trucks must never be used on stairs. Use a lift or arrange a controlled team lift using an appropriate alternative route.
Coordinate team lifts
Long, heavy or awkward items may require two or more people. Team lifting is safest when one person takes responsibility for coordinating the move.
Before starting:
Appoint a Manual Handling Team Leader.
Agree the route and identify any hazards.
Decide where each person will stand and how the load will be held.
Identify suitable resting points.
Confirm that everyone understands the plan.
The Team Leader should give clear commands such as:
“Ready, lift.”
“Stop.”
“Move.”
“Lower.”
Everyone should follow these instructions together. The load must remain balanced, and the move should stop immediately if anyone experiences discomfort or identifies a new risk.
Manage fatigue and changing conditions
Event work often involves tight turnaround times, early starts and late-night breakdowns. Fatigue, rushing and distraction can all increase the likelihood of injury.
To reduce risk:
Do not rush, even when an event schedule is under pressure.
Take short breaks during intensive manual handling periods.
Rotate tasks where possible to reduce repetitive strain.
Check items for wet surfaces, dirt, sharp edges, splinters or damage.
Wear gloves when they are provided or required for grip and protection.
Report spillages, loose cables, damaged furniture and poor lighting immediately.
A clear route can quickly become unsafe during an event. Guests, catering equipment, waste, décor and cables may be introduced into an area after the initial briefing, so conditions should be monitored throughout the shift.
Report incidents and near misses
Prompt reporting helps protect staff and improve future event operations.
Staff must report:
Any injury.
Pain experienced during or after lifting.
A near miss.
Damaged furniture or handling equipment.
Any unsafe access route or working condition.
Reports should be made as soon as possible to the Manual Handling Team Leader or Duty Manager, the relevant venue or client contact, and the Wave Management team where appropriate.
Where practicable, staff should complete the venue’s or Wave Staffing’s accident or incident documentation before leaving site. Reports are reviewed to identify recurring hazards, improve training and update procedures when necessary.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
Safe manual handling depends on good planning, suitable equipment and clear communication. Wave staff are expected to follow the relevant guidance, attend required briefings and raise concerns when something does not feel safe.
Team Leaders and Duty Managers must plan tasks, allocate enough staff and stop work if unsafe conditions arise. Venues are responsible for providing safe access routes, suitable lighting and venue-specific instructions, which must also be followed.
Event-specific instructions provided through pre-event briefings, RAMS or on-site inductions apply alongside this general guidance.
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