Manual handling training
5
Lessons
All
Skill Level
2:30h
Duration
English
Language
Overview
Manual Handling training is to provide trainees with the correct manual handling techniques in order to prevent back injury at work. Manual Handling involves any transporting or supporting of any load. This includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load. In some cases the activity does not cause problems. Furthermore it can be a potential workplace hazard when an employee is required to handle very heavy loads.
To comply with current Health and Safety legislation, staff must be given training in safe manual handling techniques. This training will show your staff how to carry out manual handling tasks correctly and therefore avoid back injuries. By training your staff how to conduct manual handling safely you are complying with your legal requirements.
Lerning Outcomes
- Be aware of the necessity for safe methods of manual handling to reduce the risk of injury.
- Understand the need to avoid manual handling by using mechanical aids where possible.
- Assess the task using the TILE criteria (task, individual, load, environment).
- Implement the correct method of lifting ensuring minimal risk to self and co-workers.
- Know how to safely execute all relevant workplace manual handling tasks.
Learning Path
Many of the problems that cause back pain are the result of injury and damage to a disc. Bending over results in pressure on the discs, and may also cause a disc to bulge backward towards the spine. Twisting and bending together put the greatest stress on the spine, especially on the discs, and are examples of work conditions that increase the risk of back injury.
+ 2 Min read to complete
Mechanical handling aids can reduce the risk of injury when used correctly. Even simple aids such as trolleys, sack trucks and wheelbarrows can be used to move items and reduce the likelihood of injury. It is better to push rather than pull, and to use body weight and leg muscles to do the work. + 2 Min read to complete
What does TILE stand for? TILE is a commonly used acronym that stands for task, individual, load and environment; four factors that should be taken into account before performing a manual handling job
+ 2 Min read to complete
Keep the load close to the body for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting to lift it. Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially while the back is bent. + 2 Min read to complete
Think before lifting/handling. Plan the lift. Can handling aids be used? Where is the load going to be placed? Will help be needed with the load? Remove obstructions. Get a good hold. Where possible, the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body. Start in a good posture, at the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and knees is preferable to fully flexing the back.
+ 2 Min read to complete
