This training course is typically aimed at workers, employers, and managers across various industries where manual handling and workplace safety are critical. It is beneficial for individuals working in roles where they may be required to lift, carry, move, or transport items or operate in environments where the risk of slips, trips, and falls is present.

Target Audience:

• Warehouse staff

• Construction workers

• Healthcare professionals (e.g., nurses, caregivers)

• Retail workers

• Office workers (who may need to handle equipment or work in environments where trips/falls could occur)

• Logistics and delivery drivers

• Manufacturing and production staff

Benefits of the Training:

1. Reduced Risk of Injury:

   • Teaches employees how to safely lift, carry, and handle loads, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain, strains, and sprains.

   • Provides strategies to prevent accidents related to slips, trips, and falls, one of the most common causes of workplace injuries.

2. Improved Workplace Safety Culture:

   • Promotes a safer working environment by increasing awareness of hazards and encouraging safe practices among staff.

3. Legal Compliance:

   • Helps companies comply with safety regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (UK), which require employers to minimize risks associated with manual handling and slips, trips, and falls.

4. Increased Productivity:

   • By reducing injuries, the course helps ensure that employees are healthier and more productive, with fewer sick days or worker compensation claims.

5. Reduced Liability:

   • Employers who provide this type of training can lower the risk of accidents and injuries, leading to fewer insurance claims and legal liabilities.

6. Improved Confidence and Morale:

   • Employees who feel safe and well-equipped to handle manual tasks and work in safer environments are likely to be more confident and satisfied in their roles.

Topics Covered:

Manual Handling:

1. Introduction to Manual Handling:

   • Definition and importance of safe manual handling.

   • Overview of injuries caused by improper manual handling (e.g., back injuries, strains).

2. Risk Assessment for Manual Handling:

   • How to assess the risk of a manual handling task.

   • Identifying potential hazards and controlling risks.

3. Correct Manual Handling Techniques:

   • Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and lowering loads safely.

   • Proper body posture, positioning, and techniques to prevent injury.

4. Ergonomics in the Workplace:

   • How to set up the workspace to reduce strain during manual tasks (e.g., desk height, tool use).

5. Use of Equipment:

   • When and how to use equipment (e.g., trolleys, hoists) to assist with manual handling tasks.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention:

1. Understanding Slips, Trips, and Falls:

   • Types of hazards that lead to slips, trips, and falls (e.g., wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting).

2. Preventive Measures:

   • Importance of maintaining clean, dry, and well-lit walking areas.

   • How to identify potential hazards in the workplace.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

   • When and how to use PPE such as non-slip footwear or reflective vests.

4. Safety Audits and Inspections:

   • The role of regular safety checks to identify and mitigate fall hazards.

5. Behavioral and Environmental Factors:

   • Influence of employee behavior (e.g., rushing, poor housekeeping) and environmental factors (e.g., floor surfaces) on accident risks.

6. Emergency Procedures:

   • What to do if an accident occurs (first aid, reporting incidents).

Relevant Industries:

1. Construction Industry:

   • Construction workers are often at high risk of manual handling injuries and slips/trips/falls due to the nature of the environment (e.g., uneven surfaces, lifting heavy materials, scaffolding).

2. Healthcare Sector:

   • Nurses, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals regularly engage in manual handling tasks such as lifting patients, and they are exposed to slip and fall risks in hospital or care environments.

3. Warehousing and Logistics:

   • Employees working in warehouses, distribution centers, and delivery services frequently engage in manual handling (e.g., moving goods) and are also at risk of slips, trips, and falls.

4. Manufacturing:

   • Workers in factories or production lines often have to handle machinery, products, and materials, making them susceptible to manual handling injuries. Floor hazards are also common in industrial settings.

5. Retail:

   • Retail workers may be involved in stocking shelves or handling deliveries, leading to risks associated with manual handling. Additionally, retail environments may have slippery floors or cluttered walkways.

6. Hospitality and Food Service:

   • Workers in kitchens and food service areas are at risk of slips (wet floors), trips (cluttered pathways), and falls while carrying heavy items or working in fast-paced environments.

7. Agriculture:

   • Manual handling in farming involves lifting and moving tools, equipment, and produce. Slips and falls can also occur in outdoor and often hazardous conditions.