Manual Handling is amongst the most common causes of injury in the workplace in the United Kingdom. But what exactly is manual handling, what are the risks involved, and how can Manual Handling training help? We break it down:

What is manual handling?

Manual Handling consists of the supporting and handling of all kinds of loads in the workplace. This can involve everything from moving, carrying, lifting, pulling, pushing and transportation of objects by bodily force or just hands. It basically encompasses all activities that involve individuals having to carry or move a load.

Who is at risk?

All work sectors are at a risk of injuries related to manual handling – however, individuals working in the agriculture, construction and healthcare industries have a relatively higher chance of sustaining injuries at the workplace. This is due to the amount and the nature of the roles and jobs involved within these industries.

How is manual handling dangerous?

Any injury caused through manual handling can have a significant implication for the workplace. It also costs millions of pounds for employers each year. Any individuals entrusted with the responsibility of handling loads on a regular basis are vulnerable to injury. Even transporting lighter loads on a daily basis can place an individual at a significant risk of an injury. This risk is inflated if the task of handling the load is being carried out in poor conditions. If the workplace layout or the ergonomics are not in favour of the individual, he or she is at an even higher risk of injury, for example poor lighting, fumes, dust or insufficient space to do the task.

How can manual handling training help?

Manual Handling training can help train all individuals involved to adopt the right and the safest strategies when it comes to handling loads. It can also help them increase their efficiency by training them how to carry out manual handling in a time intensive environment.

• It can help Individuals understand the importance of complying with the workplace procedures.
• It can help highlight the proper way to report injuries and symptoms.
• It can help employees be fully aware of the workplace procedures when it comes to manual handling.
• It can help properly train individuals on how to carry out environmental and equipment maintenance in compliance with workplace preventative strategies.
• It can help individuals understand how to follow workplace procedures and policies with relation to the scheduling of tasks.
• It will enable individuals to ensure that they are contributing positively to the task analysis as well as the workplace design – hence leading to more efficient workplace practices.
• It will enforce the importance of wearing the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) clothing in the workplace.
• It can train individuals on how to risk assess manual handling risks and report to a manager or a supervisor.

When risk assessing Think TILE

Task

Individual

Load

Environment

All in All, Manual Handling training is highly important to all workplaces and industries and, in addition to ensuring the employees’ safety, can also make them quicker and more effective at carrying out their respective roles in the workplace.