Manual Handling Training

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Manual Handling Training

What is Manual Handling and Lifting?

Manual handling encompasses a variety of tasks, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying. Correct manual handling training is crucial to avoid injuries, especially to the back and spine, which are often associated with incorrect lifting techniques.

What is a Manual Handling Training Course?

A manual handling training course equips participants with the understanding of anatomy, physiology, and mechanics of lifting. This knowledge ensures safe and sensible lifting. Additionally, the course sheds light on the current regulations related to manual handling, ensuring you’re compliant and up-to-date with your responsibilities.


Why is Manual Handling Training important?

As an employer, it’s your legal obligation to provide manual handling training courses to your staff, especially those involved in the lifting and moving of objects, equipment, or people. The training ensures that employees understand the correct lifting techniques, which is fundamental to maintaining health and safety in the workplace.

 

Who is required to have Manual Handling training?

Any worker involved in the lifting and moving of objects should undergo manual handling and lifting training courses. As an employer, enrolling your staff in these training courses ensures their well-being and helps you meet health and safety legislation requirements.

 

What do you learn on a Manual Handling Training Course?

On a manual handling assessment course, participants are introduced to the essentials of lifting. This provides insight into how injuries occur and how one can work efficiently to prevent them. Attendees will also grasp how to evaluate potential lifting scenarios to determine risks, learn to seek alternative solutions, request assistance when necessary, and determine when and how to use lifting equipment.

What does a Manual Handling Training Course cover?

This manual handling course is segmented into six comprehensive modules that delve into various aspects of heavy lifting:

A – Introduction

Introducing the dangers of manual handling operations both to you and those around you, including:

  • An explanation of the phrases ‘manual handling’, ‘hazard’, ‘risk’ and ‘control measures’
  • Common causes of manual handling injury
  • Reducing the risk from manual handling injuries

B – Manual handling hazards

Explaining how manual handling operations can cause injury and harm, including:

  • Outlining the types of injury caused by poor handling techniques and the types jobs commonly associated with these injuries
  • Detailing the functions of the musculoskeletal system
  • Explaining the mechanics of movement
  • Listing the factors that increase the risk of harm.

C – Legislation and guidance

Explaining the legal requirements of you and your employer when it comes to manual handling, including:

  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
  • HSE guidance publications

D – Risk assessment

Assessing the risks from manual handling and the factors that need to be considered, such as:

  • Explain the terms ‘reasonably practicable’, ‘suitable and sufficient’, ‘competent person’ and ‘hierarchy of control’ in the context of manual handling risk assessment
  • Outline what should be considered during a manual handling risk assessment
  • Explain the requirement for recording and reviewing manual handling risk assessments

E – Controls and reducing the risk of harm

Explaining how to control risks in manual handling, including:

  • Understanding the hierarchy of control
  • Recognising personal capability and knowing when to seek advice
  • The importance of preparation and planning
  • Controls that might be applied to reduce the risk of harm

F – Manual handling techniques

Learning and demonstrating correct manual handling techniques, including:

  • Lifting low loads
  • Low level working
  • Pushing and pulling loads
  • Lowering loads from a height
  • Carrying loads
  • Handling loads as a team

 

How Long is a Manual Handling Training Course?

Typically, the manual handling training course spans three hours. However, depending on the industry and the complexities of the work environment, some tailored courses might extend up to a full day.

 

Is there an assessment?

Yes, the manual handling certificate training includes both theoretical and practical assessments throughout the course duration.

 

Do we receive certificates?

Upon successful completion of the manual handling course, participants are awarded a manual handling certificate, validating their proficiency in the subject.

 

How long does a Manual Handling certificate last?

There is no set expiry date for a Manual Handling certificate. However, it is recommended that individuals undergo refresher training every 3 years to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date. Employers may also require their employees to undergo refresher training on a more frequent basis, depending on the nature of the work and the associated risks.

 

Where are Manual Handling Training courses held?

Manual handling training courses are available at our designated training centres situated across the UK. For added convenience and relevance, in-house training can also be arranged at your workplace. This type of training, tailored to specific workplace demands, can offer enhanced value by contextualizing the training to real work scenarios.

 

How much is a Manual Handling Training course?

For competitive pricing on our tailored manual handling training courses, get in touch with our dedicated team today at 0808 164 9690. We’re here to assist you in prioritising the safety and well-being of your team.

All prices exclude VAT.

Upcoming Manual Handling Training Courses

Location Course name Individual price Group price Duration Date

Liverpool

Manual Handling Training

Individual price: £175
Group price: £395
Duration: 3 Hours Date: 07/12/2023

Newcastle

Manual Handling Training

Individual price: £175
Group price: £395
Duration: 3 Hours Date: 09/12/2023

Leeds

Manual Handling Training

Individual price: £175
Group price: £395
Duration: 3 Hours Date: 11/12/2023

Birmingham

Manual Handling Training

Individual price: £175
Group price: £395
Duration: 3 Hours Date: 13/12/2023

Bristol

Manual Handling Training

Individual price: £175
Group price: £395
Duration: 3 Hours Date: 15/12/2023

London

Manual Handling Training

Individual price: £175
Group price: £395
Duration: 3 Hours Date: 17/12/2023

Or view our Training Locations to find a course near to you

Interested? Enquire about a course below:

Manual Handling Training
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Manual Handling FAQs

Is manual handling training a legal requirement?

Yes, in the UK, manual handling training is a legal requirement where workers are at risk of injury from manual handling tasks. Employers have a duty under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) to ensure the safety of their employees by providing adequate training and information.

What is the legislation associated with manual handling?

The primary legislation in the UK concerning manual handling is the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR). This is supplemented by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Is manual handling training mandatory?

Yes, if employees’ tasks involve manual handling, especially if there’s a risk of injury, employers are required under the MHOR to provide manual handling training to their workers.

What movements does manual handling involve?

Manual handling covers a wide range of activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and carrying. This can involve loads such as boxes, equipment, or even people.

Can manual handling be avoided completely?

While it might not be possible to eliminate manual handling entirely, the aim should be to minimise the risk. This can be achieved by using mechanical aids, adjusting the workplace design, or changing working practices. Employers should first attempt to avoid manual handling operations where there’s a risk of injury.

Which age group suffers the most manual handling injuries?

While manual handling injuries can occur in any age group, statistics often indicate that younger workers, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 34, experience a higher rate of manual handling injuries. However, older workers might experience more severe injuries due to pre-existing conditions or age-related physical decline.

Who can deliver manual handling training?

Manual handling training should ideally be delivered by qualified and competent individuals who have a thorough understanding of the principles of manual handling, the associated risks, and relevant UK regulations. This can be a qualified in-house professional or external trainers offering accredited courses.

When is practical training in manual handling particularly necessary?

Practical training in manual handling is particularly necessary when workers are introduced to new equipment, tools, or tasks that they’re unfamiliar with. It’s also crucial when the work environment changes, and when workers return after a significant absence or injury. Practical training ensures workers understand and can apply safe handling techniques in real-life situations.

What is a dynamic risk assessment in manual handling?

A dynamic risk assessment in manual handling is an on-the-spot evaluation of risks associated with a manual handling task. Unlike formal risk assessments, which are documented and often prepared in advance, dynamic risk assessments are carried out in real-time, allowing workers to respond to unexpected or changing hazards.

Who is responsible for conducting a manual handling risk assessment?

In the UK, under the MHOR, employers are responsible for conducting manual handling risk assessments. This can be done by the employer themselves, a competent employee, or an external specialist. The key is that the individual conducting the assessment should be knowledgeable about the tasks, risks, and relevant regulations.