Spain · National · Royal Decree

Royal Decree 487/1997 · Manual handling of loads

In force; no subsequent express amendments recorded

Current official Spanish title: Real Decreto 487/1997, de 14 de abril, sobre disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y salud relativas a la manipulación manual de cargas que entrañe riesgos, en particular dorso lumbares, para los trabajadores.

On this page
  1. What it regulates
  2. Who it applies to
  3. Key provisions
  4. History and versions
  5. Official BOE legal relationships
  6. Official sources
  7. Explore the concepts in Sabentis Explore

What it regulates

Governs the prevention of risks from manual handling of loads, particularly back injuries.

Who it applies to

Manual transport or support of loads whose characteristics or unsuitable ergonomic conditions create risks for workers.

Key provisions

Avoid manual handling through technical or organisational measures; where it cannot be avoided, assess and reduce the risk.

Article 3

Train workers in correct handling and provide risk information and, where possible, the load’s weight and centre of gravity.

Article 4

Consult workers or their representatives and enable their participation.

Article 5

History and versions

Initial publication: 23/04/1997 · Initial entry into force: 13/05/1997

BOE-A-1997-8670

The BOE record checked shows no subsequent express amendments. The initial version published on 23 April 1997 is available.

All text versions recorded by the BOE

Publication and effective dates are different. The table retains the dates and provisions of each recorded text version; it does not treat future transitional deadlines as requirements already applicable.

PublicationEffective dateOfficial referenceAffected provisions
23/04/199713/05/1997BOE-A-1997-8670preambulo, Article 1, Article 2, Article 3, Article 4, Article 5, Article 6, Repealing provision sole, Final provision first, Final provision second, firma, Annex

Official BOE legal relationships

Earlier references (6)

Official sources

Official sources checked on 14/11/2026. Updating a database record does not by itself mean that the legislation has been amended.

  1. Original publication and analysis
  2. Consolidated text
  3. ELI identifier

Based on data from the Spanish State Agency Official State Gazette (BOE). The consolidated text is for information; consult the official publication for legal purposes.

The official title is retained in Spanish. The English and Catalan fichas are editorial summaries, not official translations of the legislation.

Editorial information

Publication date: 14 November 2026.

Editorial responsibility: Sabentis editorial team.

Editorial review by Pablo RodríguezLinkedIn

Executive Vice President of the International ORP Foundation and Chief Financial Officer of Sabentis.

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