Ensuring workplace safety is a top priority for every employer, and it begins with assessing the risks your employees face every day. This is particularly applicable when it comes to manual handling tasks. Employers are legally required to assess these risks, as failing to do so can lead to serious consequences. Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common and preventable workplace injuries. Despite this, they continue to result in significant personal and business losses. The good news is that these injuries can be minimised, if not completely avoided, through proper training.
At Acorn Occupational Health, we offer a comprehensive Manual Handling Training course designed to help employers meet their legal obligations while safeguarding the well-being of their workforce.
Why Manual Handling Training is Essential
Manual handling covers a wide range of activities, from lifting and carrying to pushing and pulling heavy objects. When done incorrectly, these tasks put excessive strain on the body, especially on the spine. This can, therefore, lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain, joint injuries, and even more severe long-term conditions.
According to UK law, employers have a duty to assess and manage the risks associated with manual handling. The key regulations guiding this responsibility include:
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER): Ensures that lifting equipment is properly maintained and safe for use.
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): Requires that work equipment, including lifting devices, is suitable for its intended purpose.
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR): Mandates that employers assess manual handling tasks and reduce the risk of injury wherever possible.
Failing to comply with these regulations puts your employees’ health at risk. In addition, this can also expose your company to legal penalties and financial losses.
What Our Manual Handling Training Covers
Acorn Occupational Health’s Manual Handling Training is designed to equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to handle workplace tasks safely and efficiently. The course is both practical and interactive, ensuring attendees leave with a clear understanding of proper techniques.
Here’s a breakdown of what the course includes:
- Legislation, Employer & Employee Responsibilities: We explain the legal framework around manual handling, emphasising the duties both employers and employees have to ensure workplace safety.
- Definitions of Manual Handling and Responsibilities: Clarifies what constitutes manual handling and who is responsible for risk management.
- Risk Awareness & Assessment: We train your team to identify manual handling risks in their daily tasks and how to assess them effectively.
- Day-to-Day Back Care: Protecting the spine is crucial. Our course covers essential back care techniques that employees can integrate into their routine to reduce the risk of injury.
- Ergonomic Guidance: Our training includes guidance on the four key ergonomic factors that must be considered when assessing manual handling tasks.
- Weight Guidelines: We provide clear guidance on safe weight limits for different tasks and body types.
- Anatomy & Physiology: Attendees learn about the structure and function of the spine, common musculoskeletal injuries, and how to prevent them.
- Principles of Safe Moving and Handling: Core techniques for lifting, carrying, and moving objects in a way that minimises strain.
- Practical Skills & Demonstration: Our hands-on session allows attendees to practice proper manual handling techniques with real-life applications.
- Group Participation & Quiz: Interactive elements like quizzes and group exercises help reinforce key concepts and ensure engagement.
- Certification of Attendance: Upon successful completion, all attendees receive a certification of attendance to show they have received formal manual handling training.
Course Duration and Structure
Our Manual Handling Training course is delivered over a concise but informative 4-hour session. The structure is designed to be both engaging and educational. This ensures that all participants leave feeling confident in their ability to safely manage manual handling tasks. This training, therefore, increases your workplace safety.
By offering manual handling training, you are not only fulfilling your legal obligations but also taking a proactive step toward creating a safer, healthier workplace. For more information on our Manual Handling Training, contact us on 01260 277797 or email us at website@acornoh.co.uk.