Manual Handling Training for the Workplace

As part of ongoing risk management procedures, many public and private sector businesses require not only first aid training for their staff but, amongst other programmes, also training in the lifting and moving of heavy objects.

Manual handling is the transferring, or handling, of a bodily load by hand, including: pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, carrying or moving.

You may be wondering why training is necessary just for lifting boxes. The statistics show that the majority of accidents at work result from poor manual handling techniques and a huge number of working days are lost each year due to the resulting injuries.

Why bother with manual handling training?

• More than third of three-day or over injuries reported caused by poor manual handling techniques
• The overall cost to the UK of lost working days exceeds £3 billion
• Look after your back or you might regret it
• Back disorders most common form of ill health at work

What does this mean for businesses?

What does this mean in real terms? Companies lose valuable workforce and revenue, and individuals can suffer long term discomfort, pain and immobility.

What will you learn?

• The Spine and it’s anatomy.
• Common Injuries: lower back pain, Sciatica, Tension, Bursitis.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tendonitis.
• Assessing the lifting or moving task.
• Good lifting technique for Boxes and Sacks.
• Pushing & Pulling.
• Handling unusual shaped objects.
• Teamwork.
• Risk assessment.
• The role of Managers.
• In the event of an accident.

Who is this course for?

• Office Workers
• Factory Workers
• Warehouse Staff
• Anybody involved in man handling items

What are the prerequisites?

• No minimum age limit
• It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours

A survey in 2002 revealed that 1.1 million people in the UK are suffering from musculoskeletal disorders that are caused or being aggravated by their past or current work. Back disorders are the most common form of ill health at work. Manual handling is relevant to people in all areas of work. Whether you regularly use heavy materials, or work in an office, understanding these concepts will make you safer and help protect your health.

This course combines knowledge development, and a series of practical exercises, followed by scenarios that allow the students to put their skills into practice. Once the course is complete, students should have an understanding of how to safely handle loads whether carrying files in an office or stacking shelves in a warehouse.