Manual Handling Training: What UK Businesses Need to Know

At First Response First Aid Ltd (FRFA), we've witnessed how the right training can make all the difference. Let's take a closer look at what you need to know when it comes to manual handling training.

Why Care About Manual Handling?

Knowing the best manual handling practices is all about staff wellbeing, and keeping your business running smoothly. For example, Lisa from Finance tries to move a heavy filing cabinet on her own. As a result, Lisa is off work for several weeks with a bad back, leaving you short-staffed.

Yes, manual handling is about lifting heavy things; but it also includes any task involving moving, or supporting a load, using your body. This could be lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, or carrying.

Get it wrong, and you're looking at potential injuries, lost work days, and a reduction in company productivity. Get it right, and you've got a safer, happier, and more efficient workplace.

What's Legally Required in the UK?

Legal speak can be tedious at times. However, it’s important to know what the regulations entail. UK businesses are legally obliged to provide manual handling training if your employees engage in the kinds of tasks mentioned above. It's all laid out in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also comes into play here. Essentially, it says you need to ensure your employees' health, safety, and welfare. That includes giving them the right information, instruction, and training. Ignore this, and you could be facing hefty fines or even legal action. So, it’s better to be in the know.

What Makes a Good Manual Handling Course?
 

It can be tricky to know what to look for. At First Response First Aid Ltd, we know an effective training course should cover:

• Risk Assessment: Guidance on spotting potential hazards before they become problems
   
• Proper Lifting Techniques: Learning to use the right muscles in the right way
   
• Using Mechanical Aids: Recognising when to use equipment to do the heavy lifting
   
• Team Lifting: For those times when two (or more) people move anything as a team
   
• Ergonomics: Awareness of how to sit, stand, and move properly
   
• Industry-Specific Stuff: Knowledge of what works best for the environment you’re in

With these essentials covered, you’ll ensure your teams know the basics about keeping themselves safe when moving anything in the workplace, as well as compliance with regulations.

What's In It for You and Your Team?

Investing in good manual handling training is a win-win situation. Your employees benefit from newfound confidence, and the knowledge needed to reduce risk of injury at work.

In return, your business gets to enjoy uninterrupted productivity, and the assurance that you’ve demonstrated how much you care about the wellbeing of your people. It also bolsters your reputation as an employer who takes safety seriously.
 

What to look for When Choosing the Right Course

When you're choosing a manual handling course for your teams, keep an eye out for:

• Accreditation: A reputable and trusted provider (like First Response First Aid Ltd)
• Customisation: Courses that can be tailored to your specific needs (FRFA can tailor courses to your company requirements)
• Hands-on Practice: A good balance of theoretical and practical learning
• Experienced Trainers: A provider with expert trainers with the skills to back up their credentials
• Flexible Training: Delivery that’s convenient to your business – for example, the choice between full-day courses or shorter sessions; on-site or at our premises, etc.
• Ongoing Support: Availability of customer service and any help you may need

Of course, FRFA can provide all of the above and more. It all depends what you are looking for, and what is best for your business.

Frequently Asked Manual Handling Questions

Here are some of the questions we get asked the most by businesses like yours:

Q: Is manual handling training really required by law in the UK?
A: Yes. It's not optional if your employees do this kind of work.
 

Q: How often do we need to redo the manual handling training?
A: There's no hard and fast rule, but every 1-3 years, a manual handling refresher course is suggested - sooner if you change how you work or get new equipment.

Q: What happens if we don't provide the training?
A: You could potentially be looking at injuries, legal trouble, fines, and a damaged reputation.
 

Q: Can we do the training in-house at our place of work?
A: Absolutely! We're more than happy to come to you.
 

Q: How long does it take?
A: Most basic courses take 2-4 hours. More in-depth bespoke training courses might be a full day or more.
 

Your First Step Towards a Safer Workforce

While manual handling training might not be the most thrilling part of running a business, it's crucial for keeping your team safe and your business booming. First Response First Aid Ltd is here to make it as painless (and as enjoyable) as possible. Give us a call to see how we can help. Or, go online and book on our website. After all, a safe workplace is a happy workplace.

Visit https://www.firstresponsefirstaid.co.uk/contact/ to get in touch with our team. We look forward to working with you, and to ensuring the safety of your team members.