Our manual handling e-learning course is designed for employees at all levels who undertake manual handling activities in their daily work. The course provides users with an understanding of how to assess manual handling hazards and use safe lifting techniques to minimise the risk of accidents and harm while working.
Manual handling operations involve handling or supporting a load by hand or bodily force, including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads. These types of activities may seem commonplace but a slight error in technique can lead to significant injuries, particularly if unsafe lifting techniques are repeated.
Completing this training helps workers understand and apply safe lifting principles to their tasks and demonstrates compliance with the relevant legislation.
Unsafe manual handling is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. According to the Health and Safety Executive, 473,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2022/23. Approximately 17% of non-fatal workplace injuries were caused by handling, lifting or carrying objects during the same period.
Manual handling tasks may lead to immediate or long-term injuries. Immediate injuries include bruising, cuts, fractures, sprains and strains. Long-term injuries involve musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that affect muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues and require significant time off work to recover.
Employers must provide their workers with adequate training on safe moving and handling techniques to prevent injury and comply with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations.
Employers have a legal duty under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 to ensure the health and safety of their workers when undertaking manual handling tasks. This duty applies to any work that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying loads, whether manually or with the aid of lifting equipment and machinery.
Employers must ensure the safety and health of their workers by taking the following actions:
- Avoid manual handling operations wherever possible: Employers should provide lifting equipment like hoists, lift exchanges or trolleys instead to carry out the work safely.
- Risk assess manual handling tasks: Employers must undertake appropriate risk assessments of any manual handling operations that cannot be avoided. This assessment should identify the dangers involved and implement safe techniques to minimise the risks.
- Provide adequate information, training and guidance: Employers must provide their workers with vital information and manual handling safety training to make them aware of the risks associated with these tasks and how to perform them safely.
- Provide suitable work equipment: Employers must provide their workforce with appropriate equipment to do the work safely. Examples include lifting aids or personal protective equipment to reduce health risks.
- Monitor and review: Employers must examine manual handling activities and review them regularly to identify any health risks and implement effective safety principles.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities may cause serious injuries to workers and legal actions against the employers.