Manual Handling Training

Employers are legally required to take several important steps to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries in the workplace. These steps include:

Conduct Risk Assessments: Employers must assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks by identifying potential hazards, evaluating the level of risk, and determining the appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.

Implement Control Measures: Based on this risk assessment, employers should then implement appropriate control measures to reduce the risk of injury. These measures can include redesigning tasks to minimise manual handling, using mechanical aids, and modifying the work environment to improve safety.

Provide Training and Information: The right Manual Handling training helps educate employees on safe manual handling techniques and helps keep them informed about the risks associated with their tasks. Training should cover proper lifting techniques, the use of equipment, and ways to reduce strain, all of which and more are covered under our Manual Handling training.

Regular Monitoring and Review: Employers should regularly monitor and review manual handling activities and control measures to ensure their safety and effectiveness. This includes revisiting risk assessments and updating procedures as necessary. It is also incredibly important for employers to ensure their Manual Handling training is up to date and continually engaging learners ensuring positive learning outcomes.

Encourage Reporting and Feedback: Effective feedback is critical to ensure the effectiveness of control measures and ensure manual handling issues are rectified. Continual feedback leads to continual improvements in workplace safety.

Manual handling in the workplace involves the lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving of objects by hand or bodily force. This encompasses a wide range of activities such as lifting boxes, carrying equipment, or moving furniture.

Correct manual handling is crucial to prevent injuries in the workplace, particularly musculoskeletal disorders, which are common in jobs requiring physical labour. Employers must assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks and implement control measures, including training employees on correct techniques, using mechanical aids, and redesigning tasks to reduce manual effort.

Ensuring safe manual handling practices helps maintain a healthy workforce and enhances overall workplace safety.

The terms "moving and handling" and "manual handling" are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings in the context of workplace safety:

Manual Handling refers to lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads by hand or bodily force. It focuses on physical effort and preventing musculoskeletal injuries, governed by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Moving and Handling encompasses both manual handling and the use of mechanical aids (like hoists or trolleys) to move objects or people safely. This broader term is often used in healthcare, for example, emphasising safe patient handling.

The definition of moving and handling is the processes involved in lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects or people in a safe manner. This is particularly important in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and construction where improper techniques can lead to injuries.

The key components of safe moving and handling include risk assessments, using appropriate equipment, and applying correct techniques to minimize the risk of injury. Effective training ensures that workers understand how to perform these tasks safely, reducing the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries and promoting overall workplace safety.

Manual handling is something which will happen in all industries; however, there are some which are more exposed to the risks of manual handling than others, including:

• Health workers
• Delivery drivers
• Office workers
• Shop workers
• Builders
• Engineers