Do Staff Need to Do Manual Handling Training?

The Law on Manual Handling Training in the UK

In the UK, you’re required by law to protect your employees from the risks of manual handling. This includes providing adequate training on how to safely perform manual handling tasks.

The specific law that applies to manual handling training is the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR). The MHOR states that employers must assess the risks of manual handling tasks and take appropriate measures to reduce those risks. This includes providing information, instruction, and training to employees on how to safely perform manual handling tasks.

In addition to the MHOR, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also requires employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees. This includes taking steps to prevent accidents and injuries, including those related to manual handling.

Who Needs Manual Handling Training?

In general, any employee who performs manual handling tasks as part of their job should receive manual handling training. This includes both new employees and those who have been with the company for a while.

However, there are certain groups of employees who may be at higher risk of injury from manual handling, and therefore may need more extensive training. These groups include:

Older employees: As we age, our bodies may become less able to handle the physical demands of manual handling tasks. Older employees may therefore be more at risk of injury and may need more training on how to safely perform these tasks.

New employees: New employees may not be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures for manual handling, and may therefore be more at risk of injury. It’s important to provide thorough training to new employees to ensure they understand how to safely perform manual handling tasks.

Employees with disabilities: Employees with disabilities may have additional physical or mobility limitations that make manual handling tasks more challenging. It’s important to provide them with the training and support they need to safely perform these tasks.

What Should Manual Handling Training Include?

Manual handling training should be tailored to the specific needs of the employee and the tasks they’re expected to perform. However, in general, manual handling training should include:

• An overview of the risks associated with manual handling, including the types of injuries that can occur and how to prevent them.
• Information on how to assess the risks of manual handling tasks and identify the appropriate controls to put in place.
• Tips on how to properly lift and carry objects, including the correct technique and posture.
• Advice on how to use equipment and machinery safely, such as hoists and trolleys.
• Information on how to report any injuries or incidents related to manual handling.

Manual handling training should also  be interactive and hands-on, with plenty of opportunities for employees to practice the techniques and skills they have learned. It’s also important for employees to have the opportunity to ask questions and raise any concerns they may have.

You should also make this training ongoing, with refresher courses provided on a regular basis to ensure that employees are up to date on the latest techniques and procedures.

You can access an affordable manual handling course from Tayl here. 

How Can Employers Ensure Their Staff Receive Adequate Manual Handling Training?

There are a few key steps that employers can take to ensure that their staff receive adequate manual handling training:

1. Assess the risks of manual handling tasks: Employers should assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks and identify the controls that are needed to reduce those risks. This may include providing employees with lifting aids, changing the way tasks are performed, or providing additional training.
2. Provide training to all staff who perform manual handling tasks: All employees who perform manual handling tasks should receive training on how to safely perform those tasks. This should include both new employees and those who have been with the company for a while.
3. Make sure the training is interactive and hands-on: Manual handling training should be interactive and hands-on, with plenty of opportunities for employees to practice the techniques and skills they have learned.
4. Provide ongoing training and refresher courses: Manual handling training should be ongoing, with refresher courses provided on a regular basis to ensure that employees are up to date on the latest techniques and procedures.
5. Encourage employees to speak up: Employees should feel comfortable raising any concerns they may have about manual handling tasks. Employers should create an open and supportive culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up and reporting any injuries or incidents.

In conclusion, manual handling training is an important part of ensuring the health and safety of staff in the UK. Employers have a legal obligation to provide this training, and it’s important for employees to participate and take the training seriously. By following the guidelines outlined above, employers can help to reduce the risk of injury and illness in the workplace and create a safer and more productive work environment for all employees.