Manual Handling Training: For a healthier, happier and more profitable workforce
Posted on 11th Jun, 2014 | By Lorretta Tatham
Do you find yourself lifting or carrying loads in the workplace? Do you know how dangerous improper manual handling can be? Lifting and moving heavy objects incorrectly can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, which are common causes of sickness related absences in the workplace. These types of injuries have a major impact on all workplaces and sectors, costing the economy hundreds of millions every year.
How do you define manual handling?
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations define it as ‘any transporting or supporting of a load (including he lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving tereof) by hand or bodily force’. This definition is a lot wider than commonly thought. It’s not just the lifting you need to be careful of, it’s any movement you make to move or support a load – meaning manual handling probably crops up in your day-to-day duties more often than you think.
Improper manual handling can have a detrimental effect
There’s no cure for a damaged back. Whilst a back injury may be perceived as less dramatic and less serious that other types of injury, the long term pain suffered and number of working days lost in the workplace resulting from a back injury highlights the need to minimise risk.
Our new Manual Handling training course
Training staff in good manual handling practice is one of the best ways to prevent back injuries. Our new Manual Handling training course teaches you all you need to know to prevent risks and hazards that may lead to unsafe lifting and handling in the workplace.
On this half-day course you’ll get:
- An introduction to manual handling, explaining exactly what it is and why it’s important
- Guidance on how to lift and carry safely
- Practical techniques you can use on a daily basis to avoid injury and strain
- An opportunity to carry out a manual handling risk assessment and learn how this process works
- Firm knowledge on how risk assessments apply to you
- Guidance on how to lift and carry in special situations
- Advice on how to spot risks, and how to recognise and avoid potential problems
- An overview of the responsibilities of both employers and employees
Upon completion of the course you’ll receive a certificate of training in safe manual handling which will be valid for three years. After this point, we recommend re-booking onto the course to refresh your knowledge and keep on top of any new recommendations and guidance.
Stay safe with our high quality training courses
The range of training courses we have available at Browns Ladders cover the majority of your Health and Safety needs in the workplace. Why not browse our other courses such as our Working at Heights course, or Emergency First Aid course to complement your Manual Handling training?