E-learning
Manual Handling Awareness
Do your staff regularly lift, move, push, pull or carry items as part of their role? Our Manual Handling Course equips them with essential knowledge and hands-on techniques to move loads safely and effectively, while ensuring compliance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR).
Description
Our manual handling training can be delivered either online or face to face, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your organisation. The online option is engaging and straightforward to complete, while classroom-based sessions offer practical, hands-on support from qualified health and safety professionals.
Learners will develop a clear understanding of manual handling hazards and gain practical techniques to reduce risk and work more safely.
Benefits of Training
- Helps employees identify manual handling activities that carry a higher level of risk and recognise when lifting tasks can be eliminated or replaced with mechanical solutions.
- Offers clear, practical guidance on how to assess risks and use safe methods for lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling loads.
- Developed and delivered by qualified health and safety professionals with extensive industry experience.
- Aligned with current Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance.
- Designed to meet the requirements of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR).
- Suitable for learners with no prior knowledge or experience.
Course Aims
Manual handling is responsible for a significant proportion of workplace injuries and is a contributing factor in many slips, trips and falls, which together account for a large number of reported accidents at work. For this reason, it is essential that employees know how to manage manual handling risks to protect their wellbeing and support safe, efficient working practices.
Following completion of manual handling training, employees will be able to reduce the risk of injury by:
- Identifying common manual handling hazards
- Evaluating potential risks before carrying out tasks
- Selecting suitable manual handling methods for specific situations
- Using correct techniques to manage loads safely
- Knowing when manual handling should be avoided altogether
- Recognising when specialist advice or assistance is required
- Understanding the legal duties of both employees and employers
Course Overview
1. Overview
An explanation of the responsibilities placed on both employers and employees under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR).
2. Understanding the issue
A clear explanation of what manual handling involves, the scale of injuries linked to manual handling activities, the types of injuries most frequently reported, and how to recognise tasks that present a higher level of risk.
3. Eliminating risk
How to identify situations where manual handling can be avoided altogether, including opportunities for automation or alternative methods. Practical measures that can be introduced to lower the chance of injury.
4. Risk assessment
How to evaluate a manual handling task before it begins, who should contribute to the assessment process, when specialist support should be sought, and what documentation may be required.
5. Managing and reducing risk
Guidance on reducing risk as far as is reasonably practicable, including practical advice on safe load handling.
Learners will also cover how to use effective manual handling techniques and plan tasks in advance to improve safety
FAQS
Is this course suitable for office-based staff?
Yes. The course covers manual handling across a range of work settings. For office environments, we also provide a dedicated Manual Handling in the Office course, which focuses on common office-related risks such as moving boxes, handling equipment, or repositioning furniture and chairs.
Can the training be adapted to our organisation’s needs?
Yes. The course content can be tailored to reflect the specific manual handling activities, hazards, and working practices within your organisation.
How frequently should manual handling training be refreshed?
There is no fixed legal timescale for refresher training. However, it is best practice for employees to review their manual handling training every one to three years, or sooner if there are significant changes to their job role, tasks, or working environment.
Yes. We provide reduced rates for organisations training multiple employees. Get in touch with us to outline your needs, and we’ll offer a tailored quote based on the size of your team.
How does this course support legal compliance?
The course is structured to align with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) and follows guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It supports legal compliance by helping employees identify manual handling hazards and use safe working practices, reducing the risk of injury and workplace incidents.
Is manual handling training still necessary if lifting equipment is used?
Yes. Even where mechanical aids or lifting equipment are in place, employees may still be required to handle items manually at certain stages of a task. This training helps staff recognise when manual handling can be avoided and provides safe techniques for situations where it cannot.
What support is available if we experience problems with the course?
We provide comprehensive technical support to ensure a seamless learning experience, whether the course is accessed through our SHINE platform or integrated into your own learning management system. Our customer support team is also on hand to answer queries relating to course content or compliance requirements.
If a participant does not achieve a pass on their first attempt, they can revisit the course content and retake the assessment. The course is designed to support effective learning, using interactive features and knowledge checks throughout to help reinforce key concepts before reassessment.
Yes. When using the SHINE platform, you can monitor learner progress, check completion status, and download certificates to support your training and compliance records.
Prerequisites
The Manual Handling Course is suitable for any employee who may be required to carry out manual handling tasks as part of their role.
It helps employees develop a clear awareness of manual handling risks and understand their health and safety duties under relevant legislation. Learners will also gain insight into the control measures and safe systems of work introduced by their employer, and why following them is essential.
For employees working in office environments, a dedicated Manual Handling in the Office course is also available.
