Manual Handling - Train the Trainer

What is classed as manual handling?

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002, apply to a wide range of activities that involve the manual handling of loads, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying.

These regulations were introduced in order to require employers to take measures to address the health problems that were widely recognised as being associated with manual handling at work.

What is the extent of the problem?

Over one third of all over-three-day injuries reported each year to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities are caused by manual handling.

The most recent survey of self-reported work-related illness estimated that in 2001/02 there were 1.1 million people in Great Britain who had suffered from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused or made worse by their current or past work.

What are employers required to do?

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002, require employers to:

• Avoid the need for hazardous manual handling, so far as is reasonably practicable

• Assess the risk of injury from any hazardous manual handling that cannot be avoided

• Reduce the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling, so far as is reasonably practicable

  What about training?

  Where it is not possible to avoid the need for hazardous manual handling it is vital that the employees concerned are provided with suitable and adequate training.

  The training should cover:

• Manual handling risk factors and how injuries can occur

• How to carry out safe manual handling including good techniques

• Appropriate systems of work for the individual’s tasks and environment

• Use of mechanical aids

• Practical issues to allow the trainer to rectify issues that may cause problems to the employee’s health and safety

  How can this training best be provided?

  It is recommended that employers consider using people within their own management and workforce who have a practical in-depth knowledge of the working environment and any associated manual handling matters.

  In order to follow this approach the trainers should be provided with the appropriate background knowledge and training skills.

  Is there a suitable course for manual handling trainers?

  The Manual Handling Train the Trainer course is a 2 day course that has been developed to provide people with the subject knowledge and presentation skills needed in order for them to carry out their roles as manual handling trainers with confidence.

  It is also designed to enable delegates to identify a suitable structured working method for the preparation of training materials, successful course delivery and finally how to carry out post-course evaluations.