Manual Handling
Course Description
The Manual Handling Course provides participants with essential knowledge and skills to minimise the risk of injury from lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads in the workplace. It introduces the principles of ergonomics and explores the interaction between people, tasks, and equipment, ensuring participants understand how to handle loads safely and effectively. The course is designed to meet the requirements of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations and the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of what constitutes manual handling and why it is such a significant cause of workplace injury. The training highlights the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders caused by poor lifting practices and outlines the potential short- and long-term health consequences, including back injuries, strains, sprains, and hernias. Through this understanding, participants will be able to recognise the importance of adopting correct techniques to protect both themselves and their colleagues.
The course examines the anatomy of the spine, muscles, and ligaments, showing how poor posture, overexertion, and repetitive handling can lead to serious and lasting injuries. Participants are introduced to concepts such as pivot points, leverage, and body mechanics, giving them practical insights into how the body reacts under strain and how to reduce risks when lifting, carrying, or moving loads.
Practical manual handling techniques form a central part of the training. These include planning lifts, adopting stable positions, using correct posture, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting or jerking movements. Participants also learn best practices for team lifting, stacking loads, and handling awkward or bulky objects. The course also emphasises the importance of mechanical aids such as pallet trucks, conveyors, and adjustable tables to reduce physical strain and improve workplace efficiency.
Another core theme of the course is risk assessment. Participants are shown how to evaluate manual handling tasks by considering the load, the task, the environment, and individual capability. They learn how to identify hazards, assess risks, and apply effective control measures. By applying these principles, participants will be able to ensure that manual handling tasks are carried out as safely as possible, in line with both company policy and legal requirements.
Finally, the training underlines the shared responsibility for workplace safety. Participants are reminded that correct manual handling is not just about following rules but about fostering a culture of safety and wellbeing. By the end of the course, they will have the knowledge and confidence to apply correct techniques, support colleagues, and contribute to a safer and more productive working environment.
Why Take This Course?
Manual handling remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and lost working days. This course equips participants with the knowledge and techniques to significantly reduce the risk of injury, protecting both individual health and organisational efficiency. By learning proper lifting and handling methods, participants can avoid common injuries such as back strain and musculoskeletal disorders that often result from poor technique.
Taking this course also ensures compliance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations and other health and safety requirements. It provides employees and employers with reassurance that legal duties are being met and that risks are being properly managed. The training not only improves workplace safety but also demonstrates a commitment to staff wellbeing and regulatory responsibility.
Ultimately, this course is about creating a safer and healthier workplace. By completing it, participants gain practical skills that they can apply immediately, while employers benefit from reduced absences, fewer incidents, and improved productivity. It is a vital step for any organisation that values safety, compliance, and the welfare of its workforce.