Manual Handling

Description

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual handling is a broad category of work-related injury. Handling injuries include: injuries due to lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads; strains; sprains; trapped fingers and cuts from sharp objects.

The following statistics (2013/14) relate to manual handling injuries of employees that were reported to all RIDDOR enforcing authorities.

• An estimated 909 000 working days were lost due to handling injuries (LFS).
• An average of 6.6 days were lost for each handling injury (LFS).
• Handling caused nearly a quarter of reported injuries (24%) (RIDDOR, LFS).
• Eight percent of major/specified and more than a quarter of over-seven-day injuries to employees involved.
• Handling (1 431 major /specified; 16 923 over-seven-day). There were no fatal injuries (RIDDOR).
• Over-7-day injuries accounted for more than nine in ten of the total (18 354) (RIDDOR)
• The latest 3 year averaged estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) showed an estimated 54 000.
• Reportable handling injuries reportable handling injuries resulted in more than three days’ absence from work – this was a rate of 190 per 100 000 workers (LFS).

The Manual Handling Online Training course is the ideal way to train employees in the basics of manual handling. It is also perfect for employees in low risk environments. Manual handling tasks occur wherever people are at work. Any time we use our bodies to move an object, we are manual handling. This can be in an office, a factory, a warehouse, a shop or any other working environment.  Manual handling means using your body to exert force to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, move, hold, restrain or set down a load.

The course also provides an understanding of common musculoskeletal problems and common injuries caused by incorrect carrying and lifting. Instruction is given on the correct handling techniques for lifting, carrying and setting down a load.

Additionally, the importance of assessing every manual task is highlighted during the course. Advice is provided on how to assess each handling activity using the “TILE” principle (task, individual (your own capabilities), load and your working environment).

Furthermore, the Manual Handling Online Training emphasises the responsibility of the employee to fully cooperate with their employer. They should not engage in behaviour likely to endanger the employee or others. Additionally, mechanical aids should be used correctly and dangerous work activities should be reported. Also, any physical impairments that could give rise to risk should be highlighted to the employer.

Main sections in this Manual Handling online training:

• Overview
• Back Injuries
• Preventing Injury
• Handling Techniques
• Final Test