CART What is a Manual Handling Awareness Course
Ten or more courses at just £6.49 each
What is a Manual Handling Awareness Course
In essence a manual handling awareness course is training designed to promote workplace safety. The course teaches safe techniques which refers to the process of lifting, carrying, or moving objects by hand or bodily force. Improper manual handling techniques can lead to serious injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders and strains. Therefore, it becomes crucial for individuals and organizations to be aware of proper manual handling practices in order to prevent workplace accidents.
The term ‘manual handling’ encompasses a wide range of activities that involve physical exertion and it’s an essential part of many industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, warehousing, and transportation. Proper manual handling techniques not only ensure the efficient movement of goods but also reduce the risk of injuries among workers.
However, improper manual handling can have severe consequences. According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over one-third of all workplace injuries are caused by incorrect manual handling procedures. These injuries often result in lost workdays for employees and financial losses for organizations due to compensation claims and reduced productivity.
This awareness course is designed to give candidates knowledge of why correct manual handling is so important.
The primary objective of manual handling awareness courses is to educate individuals on safe handling practices and equip them with the necessary skills to move loads properly. Our course aims to raise awareness about potential risks associated with incorrect techniques while emphasizing preventive measures.
Moreover, these courses play a vital role in educating participants about their legal responsibilities regarding health and safety regulations related to manual handling practices.
Our manual handling awareness course covers a comprehensive range of topics designed to enhance participants' knowledge on safe handling practices. It comprises of E-learning modules: Online platforms that offer self-paced courses that participants can access from anywhere at any time, with multiple choice questions at the end of each module.
Content includes:
- Understanding the anatomy and physiology involved in lifting and moving objects.
- Identifying potential hazards in the workplace that may contribute to manual handling injuries.
- Learning proper body mechanics, such as maintaining a stable base, bending at the knees, and using leg muscles for lifting rather than straining back muscles.
- Utilizing appropriate equipment and aids, such as trolleys or lifting straps, to reduce the strain on individuals during manual handling tasks.
Participation in manual handling awareness courses demonstrates compliance with legal requirements and regulations. Moreover, these courses ensure that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge to meet their responsibilities.
Manual handling awareness courses play a vital role in promoting workplace safety by educating individuals on proper handling techniques and equipping them with essential skills. By raising awareness about potential risks associated with improper manual handling practices, these courses contribute towards creating safer work environments for employees.
Furthermore, compliance with legal requirements related to manual handling practices is addressed through participation in these courses, resulting in greater adherence to health and safety regulations.
The Health and Safety at Work Act is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect the health, safety, and welfare of workers in various work environments. This act plays a significant role in ensuring that employees are provided with safe working conditions and measures are taken to prevent accidents and injuries.
The development of the Health and Safety at Work Act was driven by several factors. The industrial revolution brought about unprecedented changes in working conditions with a surge in factory-based industries. As these industries grew rapidly during this period, concerns over unsafe working conditions started to emerge. Workers were subjected to long hours without breaks or proper rest periods while being exposed to hazardous machinery without suitable protective measures.
Furthermore, tragic events such as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 highlighted the dire need for improved workplace safety regulations. The fire claimed 146 lives due to locked exit doors and inadequate fire safety measures. Such incidents became catalysts for change by raising public awareness about occupational hazards.
The Health and Safety at Work Act imposes various duties and responsibilities on different stakeholders. Employers have a duty to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees by providing safe working conditions, adequate training, and appropriate protective equipment. They must also conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace and implement control measures to mitigate these risks effectively.
Likewise, employees have a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety as well as that of others who may be affected by their actions. This culture of shared responsibility fosters a proactive approach towards creating safer work environments.
Our manual handling awareness course meets certain training needs, helps keeps employees safe and helps employers comply with UK Duties.