Our Blog #4
There’s a common misconception that Manual Handling training is all about how to pick up a box correctly but if that has been your experience then it really wasn’t the right one.
Poor Manual Handling in the workplace will result in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Crippling for employees having developed these conditions but also a huge impact on an employers resources such as cost, sick pay, loss in productivity, retraining required and legal costs. It’s not just about picking up a box.
So what makes effective Manual Handling training for your employees?
We’ve done a lot of Manual Handling training at PROSAFE, here are our key pointers when your looking to train your staff in this area:
- Training tailored to the environment
A good trainer will take the time to ask questions about the business operations itself so training can be practical to the nature of the specific tasks.
- Training engagement with employees
A good course structure will teach employees the practical elements of Manual Handling but a skilled and engaging trainer will also help in changing attitudes and behaviour and promote risk awareness.
- Ongoing support
The training shouldn’t be a one stop shop. We’re all human, after time we forget the importance of the things we learn. Employers should think about provide ongoing support. This can be done by having regular refresher training to maintain the awareness and reinforce techniques and skills.
As with any health and safety training, Manual Handling training needs to be part of an overall risk management strategy which is managed and implemented effectively. Bringing in the right training will work to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace.
