Manual Handling – Refresher

Course Description

 

This refresher course revisits the fundamental principles and safe practices of manual handling. Participants will be reminded of the correct techniques for lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling loads to reduce the risk of injury. The training also reinforces awareness of risk assessment, legal obligations, and how to apply ergonomic principles in day-to-day manual handling tasks.

Who is this for?

This course is designed for employees who regularly handle loads in their roles and have already completed a manual handling training course, as well as supervisors or safety officers who oversee manual handling operations. It is ideal for individuals working in warehouses, offices, retail, manufacturing, health care, or any setting where manual loading and unloading, lifting, or moving tasks are part of the job.

Course Content:

• Definition and scope of manual handling (lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling)
• Legal and regulatory responsibilities (e.g., Manual Handling Operations Regulations)
• Risk assessment: evaluating manual handling tasks by considering the load, the environment, and the person doing the work
• Basic principles of safe manual handling: good posture, correct lifting techniques, holding the load properly
• Team lifting principles and when to call for help
• Use of mechanical aids and reducing manual handling risk where possible
• Preventing musculoskeletal injuries (back, arms, shoulders)
• Review of real-world examples or common task scenarios
• End-of-course multiple-choice assessment to confirm understanding

Course Benefits:

• Reinforces safe manual handling techniques and reduces risk of injury
• Keeps staff up to date with their legal duties and manual handling best practices
• Helps lower the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, improving employee health and productivity
• Promotes a culture of safety and ergonomics within the workplace
• Demonstrates organisational commitment to ongoing competence and training
• Provides a digital certificate on completion, useful for compliance, audits, and training records