Manual Handling is any activity that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load by hand or bodily force. Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, UK employers are legally required to assess manual handling risks and provide appropriate Manual Handling Training to all employees who perform these tasks. The key principles include planning the lift, assessing the risk with the TILE framework (Task, Individual, Load, Environment), keeping the load close to the body, and never lifting beyond your limits.
Poor manual handling is one of the most common causes of workplace injury in the UK, accounting for over a third of all injuries reported to the HSE each year. Back injuries, sprains, strains and musculoskeletal disorders can all develop from incorrect techniques. Completing a Manual Handling Course is not just a legal requirement. It is essential for protecting your health and your career.