Manual Handling
Course Overview
This course outlines exactly what constitutes manual handling and covers the regulations and legislation that apply to manual handling tasks. It then goes on to cover safe handling techniques and how to develop good habits in relation to manual handling. It finishes off by introducing some practical solutions and the use of mechanical aids.
Important note: Please note that this is an awareness course only, if your duties include manual handling you will also need further practical training, you can get in touch with us to arrange this.
Course Content
Manual handling covers any activity that requires using physical force to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or move a load, whether that's a box, a piece of equipment or a person. It's one of the most frequent causes of workplace injury, particularly to the back, shoulders and joints, and the risk applies across construction, warehousing, retail, healthcare and office environments alike.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to avoid the need for hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, and where it can't be avoided, to assess the risk and take steps to reduce it. This sits alongside the wider duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide adequate training, instruction and supervision.
Employers who don't provide this training are exposed to legal and civil liability if a member of staff is injured while carrying out a lifting task they weren't trained for.
Before any lift takes place, the regulations expect employers to work through a hierarchy of controls:
1. Avoid manual handling entirely where possible, for example by using mechanical aids.
2. Assess the risk of any handling that can't be avoided.
3. Reduce the risk of injury as far as reasonably practicable, through equipment, training or changes to the task.
The course teaches TILE, a straightforward way to assess a manual handling task before you start:
- Task – what does the lift actually involve, and can it be broken down or simplified?
- Individual – is the person doing the lift capable of it safely, considering strength, fitness and any health conditions?
- Load – how heavy, awkward, hot or unstable is the item being moved?
- Environment – are there space, flooring, lighting or temperature issues that make the lift harder?
Working through TILE before a lift is one of the simplest ways to catch a risk before it causes an injury.
The course also covers the practical basics of safe lifting: keeping the load close to the body, maintaining a stable base, bending the knees rather than the back, and avoiding twisting while carrying a load. These techniques reduce strain on the spine and joints and form the foundation of good manual handling habits.
This course is suitable for anyone whose job involves lifting or moving loads, and for managers and supervisors who need to understand their responsibilities under the regulations. Sectors where this is especially relevant include construction, warehousing and logistics, retail, facilities management and healthcare.
By the end of the course, you'll be able to:
- Define manual handling and apply the correct technique
- Understand the relevant legislation and comply with the regulations
- Recognise safe handling techniques and build good habits
- Evaluate a manual handling situation, recognising risk and when to use mechanical aids
- Understand the physical consequences of incorrect handling
- Identify which roles are most at risk from poor handling technique
Course Duration
75 mins
Course Certification
Approved by IIRSM, CPD & IOSH
