Why manual handling training for employees is important
Manual handling is part and parcel of work within the housing and construction industry, therefore it’s important your staff are properly trained on working safely in their roles.
Stats from the union, Unison, show that 1 in 3 injuries at work are back related, and come from employees carrying or lifting something. Investing in manual handling courses ensures that employees are equipped with the skills to lift, carry, push, and pull objects safely, reducing the risk of workplace injuries. You should also remember that employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment, and training employees in correct manual handling techniques is a key part of meeting health and safety obligations.
What to expect on a manual handling course
Six and a half million working days are lost due to injuries from manual handling every year, and it’s estimated a quarter of them are preventable. With that in mind, understanding and applying safe lifting techniques is crucial to prevent injuries in the workplace.
On a manual handling training course, employees will gain hands-on learning and practical demonstrations, to make sure they are confident with handling heavy objects. Some of the key learning topics are:
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Understand regulatory guidelines and risk reduction: Learners will identify relevant safety regulations for manual handling and apply techniques to minimize the risk of injury.
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Safe lifting, carrying, and positioning techniques: Participants will demonstrate correct methods for lifting, carrying, and placing loads to ensure personal safety and prevent strain.
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Assessment and preparation for manual handling tasks: Learners will develop skills to assess manual handling tasks and prepare appropriately, including evaluating load weight, shape, and handling requirements.
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Identify and mitigate hazards in the environment: Participants will learn to recognize environmental hazards associated with manual handling and apply strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.
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Proper equipment use and maintenance: Learners will understand how to select, use, and maintain manual handling equipment to assist with lifting and moving loads safely and efficiently.
Our course usually takes 3 hours, and after completing it your members of staff will receive a manual handling training certificate, demonstrating their competence in safe lifting techniques and injury prevention. It’s recommended that your staff undergo regular refresher courses to maintain safety standards within your business and demonstrate that you’re complying with health and safety law.
Compliance with health and safety regulations
Employers are legally required to take reasonable steps to ensure employee safety. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 mandate that businesses assess and mitigate risks associated with manual handling tasks.
Although the law doesn’t specify a maximum safe weight, employers and properly trained employees must carefully assess every task that might involve injury. These risk assessments should be documented and stored securely.
Failing to provide adequate training can lead to legal consequences, as well as increased incidents of injury, lost productivity, and reputational damage. By certifying employees through a manual handling training program, businesses can meet regulatory requirements and ensure a safer workplace for all.
Advantages of manual handling training for employees
Improper manual handling can cause severe injuries that result in costly downtime. Enrolling employees in a manual handling training course reduces the likelihood of workplace absences due to preventable injuries, such as back pain and repetitive strain disorders.
Additional benefits of manual handling training include:
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Demonstrating compliance with health and safety regulations
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Reducing workplace disruptions caused by employee absences
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Improving employee confidence and morale
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Enhancing workplace productivity and efficiency
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Creating a safer, healthier work environment
Prioritising employee safety will create a culture of responsibility and care in your workplace, and will hopefully reduce absences and ensure smoother operations.
Enrol on a manual handling course with PfP Thrive today
It’s important that you make sure to properly assess risks in your workplace, and provide all of your employees with accredited manual handling training. With certification, your staff will gain the skills to protect them from injury, which will improve your workplace productivity overall.
Here at PfP Thrive, we deliver high quality manual handling training courses for as little as £25 per person. These courses are delivered by a qualified trainer, and will allow your staff to learn all about the legal aspects of manual handling, how to handle heavy loads safely and how to assess the risk of different tasks.
Our manual handling courses are available nationwide, and we can deliver them at a time to suit you, with a course typically only lasting 3 hours.
Take a look at our available courses to help equip your organisation and teams with essential skills and knowledge for now and into the future.
Find out more
Get started: book your Manual Handling training today
Whether you need on-site training, nationwide coverage, or custom solutions for manual handling training that are tailored to your business, we’re here to help.
Enquire now about our manual handling training courses to find the best course for your team, and equip your workforce with future-ready skills.
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