Manual Handling

Purpose

The Manual Handling training course is designed for all personnel in industries involving lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying tasks. It provides candidates the proper knowledge and training to ensure safety and prevent injuries when doing their tasks. It’s aim is to ensure that delegates will understand the need for accident prevention and control, understand basic body mechanics and be able to demonstrate safe methods of lifting.

Ergonomic intervention in manual handling can decrease injuries and increase worker productivity:

Lifting

Lifting containers can strain the lumbar vertebrae when done improperly. Ergonomic lifting techniques involve keeping loads close to the body and near the person’s center of gravity, using diagonal foot positions, and moving loads at waist height rather than directly from the floor.

Climbing

When climbing with a load, safe material handling includes maintaining contact with the ladder or stairs at three points (two hands and a foot or both feet and a hand). Bulky loads would require a second person or a mechanical device to assist.

Pushing and pulling

Manual material handling may require pushing or pulling. Pushing is generally easier on the back than pulling. It is important to use both the arms and legs to provide the leverage to start the push.

Pivoting

When moving containers, handlers are safer when pivoting their shoulders, hips and feet with the load in front at all times rather than twisting their back. The lower back is not designed to torque or for repetitive twisting.

Target Audience

Anyone who needs basic practical experience of lifting techniques. Basically applicable to all industrial workers.

Course Content Manual Handling

The Course Consists of theory and practical on Lifting Techniques

• Introduction to safe lifting practices
• Duties and responsibilities of employers and employees
• Avoiding manual handling
• Risk assessment
• Appropriate systems of work
• Use of mechanical aids
• Guiding principles for safe lifting heights
• Good handling technique (for pushing and pulling)