Manual handling injuries account for more than one in three workplace accidents in Ireland, making it the most common cause of workplace injury. Manual handling includes any activity involving lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, or pulling loads, and when performed incorrectly, can lead to serious musculoskeletal injuries.

Our Manual Handling course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to carry out manual handling tasks safely and in compliance with current health and safety legislation. This comprehensive half-day programme combines theoretical instruction with practical hands-on exercises, ensuring participants understand the principles of safe lifting and can apply them in their daily work activities.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for all employees whose work involves any form of manual handling. This includes:

• All Employees – anyone working in roles that involve lifting, carrying, or moving items

• Warehouse and Logistics Staff – those handling stock, pallets, or deliveries

• Construction Workers – those moving materials on site

• Healthcare Workers – those assisting with patient moving and handling

• Retail Staff – those stocking shelves or handling deliveries

• Office Workers – those lifting boxes, equipment, or furniture

• Managers and Supervisors – those responsible for overseeing safe manual handling practices

Prerequisites: None required – the course is accessible to all. Participants should wear comfortable clothing suitable for practical exercises.

Course Content

Our Manual Handling training covers all key elements outlined in health and safety guidance:

Legislation and Responsibilities

• Overview of current manual handling regulations and legal duties

• Employer and employee responsibilities under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act

• Manual Handling Risk Assessment requirements

Understanding the Spine and Musculoskeletal System

• Basic anatomy of the spine and how it functions

• How manual handling injuries occur

• Common manual handling injuries and their long-term effects

Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

• Identifying manual handling risks in the workplace

• The TILE approach – Task, Individual, Load, Environment

• Reducing risk through ergonomic improvements

• When to use mechanical aids and equipment

Principles of Safe Manual Handling

• Kinetic lifting techniques

• Safe lifting and lowering procedures

• Pushing and pulling techniques

• Carrying loads safely

• Team handling – working together safely

Practical Application

• Demonstration of correct lifting techniques

• Individual and group practical exercises

• Assessment of practical handling skills

• Applying principles to real-world workplace scenarios

Good Housekeeping and Workplace Safety

• Maintaining clear walkways and work areas

• Importance of appropriate footwear and PPE

• Reporting hazards and near misses

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand relevant manual handling legislation and their responsibilities under the law

• Recognise manual handling hazards and assess risks using the TILE approach

• Understand basic spinal anatomy and how manual handling injuries occur

• Apply correct kinetic lifting techniques to a range of manual handling tasks

• Demonstrate safe lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling techniques

• Identify when mechanical aids or team handling are required

• Contribute to a safer workplace through improved handling practices

Assessment and Certification

Participants are assessed through:

• Theory assessment – multiple-choice knowledge test

• Practical assessment – observed demonstration of correct manual handling techniques

Successful candidates will receive a Safety Response Training certificate of attendance, valid for 3 years. Regular refresher training is recommended to maintain best practice.

Course Duration and Delivery

• Duration: Half day (approximately 4 hours)

• Delivery: Classroom-based with practical lifting exercises

• Class size: Maximum 10-12 participants to ensure individual attention during practical assessment

Why Train with Safety Response Training?

• Expert instructors with real-world experience across multiple industries

• Practical hands-on training – participants practice techniques, not just watch videos

• Workplace relevance – exercises tailored to your specific work environment

• Small class sizes for individual attention and feedback

• Nationwide coverage – we can deliver training at your premises for group bookings

• Accredited training meeting HSA and legislative standards

• Engaging delivery – interactive sessions that make learning memorable