Manual Handling: What is it and Why is it Necessary in Ireland?
Employees who are required to lift, carry, pull or push heavy loads are at increased risk of injury or of causing accidents in the workplace, and learning how to manage this correctly can make all the difference. Manual handling training is often required in the construction and retail industries, as well as in many other industries in Ireland, and manual handling training is a legal requirement for all workers for whom this is relevant.
Manual handling and other health and safety training, is an important ways to protect your employees and improve your safety culture at work. However, it is also a vital way to ensure that your business is compliant with all relevant regulations and protects your reputation as an employer committed to good practice.
What is Manual Handling?
Manual handling is the term used for any work that involves using physical effort to move, lift or lower a load. If your job involves moving things without using a machine to help you, this is known as manual handling.
For example, manual handling includes:
- Lifting items, including boxes, materials and equipment
- Pushing carts or pallets
- Carrying deliveries
- Lifting, carrying or moving people
- Carrying tools
These are commonly included in the job roles of employees in many industries, including in the healthcare industry and in factory or warehouse work.
Sometimes manual handling is a small part of the job and may only involve light items. However, it often involves heavy or repetitive loads, and this can take a toll on the body. If manual handling is not carried out correctly, it is likely to lead to injuries, including problems with the back, knees and shoulders.
Risks of Manual Handling
Did you know that manual handling injuries are among the most common causes of workplace accidents in Ireland? Injuries commonly sustained during manual handling include:
- Back pain, including slipped discs
- Sprains and strains throughout the body
- Injuries to the neck and shoulders
- Hernias
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Long-term musculoskeletal damage
Learning how to carry out manual handling correctly can prevent injuries such as this, protecting workers and ensuring safety in the workplace. Manual handling training demonstrates the importance of using the correct lifting procedures and adhering to weight limits, for instance, which enables workers to protect themselves.
Safety Legislation in Ireland
The HSA plays an important role in establishing high health and safety standards in Ireland, and employers are responsible for adhering to all relevant legislation to keep their employees and members of the public safe. According to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2007, employers are required to:
- Avoid manual handling wherever possible. If possible, tasks that involve lifting heavy objects should be carried out using machines or equipment that reduces the risk to the individual.
- Assess the risk involved in manual handling. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, an employer should carry out a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and reduce these where possible.
- Provide relevant training. If employees are required to carry out manual handling, they must be given appropriate training, such as manual handling training, to ensure that they can carry out these tasks safely.
These requirements are enforced by the HSA, and employers may incur fines or prosecution if they do not adhere to.
Manual Handling Training
Manual handling training is structured to provide the theory and practical elements that are required in order for employees to carry out manual handling safely. The training includes an introduction to basic anatomy, which helps employees to understand the importance of their posture and technique when lifting heavy items, for instance. Risk assessment is also a key part of manual handling training, and those attending training will learn how to assess different types of loads and then plan appropriately to move them, including using mechanical aids if available.
After completing a manual handling training course, those who have participated will receive a certificate that is valid for three years. Some workplaces require more frequent refresher courses, and you should check this with your employer.
Improve Your Safety Culture at Work
Manual handling training is essential for anyone who has to move loads during the course of their work, and it also brings many benefits to your organisation. For instance:
- Reducing injuries in the workplace. Of course, the main benefit of manual handling training, like other health and safety training, is to reduce the risk of injury to your employees and members of the public.
- Improving productivity. When your team members understand how and why they need to move items, they can work faster and more productively.
- Improving morale. Investing in training for employees is known to make them feel valued and supported, which enables your organisation to create a better safety culture in the workplace.
- Saving money. You will protect your reputation and pay lower insurance premiums if you safeguard your team against injuries, and you will also save money on sick pay if injuries are prevented.
- Compliance with all legal requirements that are relevant to your industry will ensure that your business and your employees are protected.
Our manual handling training courses are comprehensive and run by excellent, qualified professionals. You can work with our experienced team to keep your employees up to date with their training, and we offer flexible options to suit you and your training needs.
Safety Training Courses in Ireland
At ASM, we know how important it is to develop a good safety culture in your workplace, and we can help you to protect your employees, your property and your business. We provide a range of top-quality Health and Safety training courses in Ireland, including manual handling training, Safe Pass training and First Aid training.
We have a team of experienced Health and Safety Consultants in Ireland, and we can provide a range of services including audits, gap analysis and risk assessments, as well as providing training on site for your convenience. Talk to us about how we can work together to protect your business and your employees today.
