Manual handling remains one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, construction, warehousing, and logistics. These injuries, often involving the back, shoulders, and neck, can be both debilitating and costly. As an employer or employee, understanding how to handle materials and equipment safely is crucial to preventing these injuries. The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Safe Manual Handling Skills is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to ensure safe manual handling practices.
Manual handling is any activity that involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving an object. Improper manual handling can lead to serious injuries, affecting both employees’ health and the overall productivity of an organisation. In the UK, employers have a legal duty under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) to reduce the risk of injury associated with manual handling tasks. This course ensures compliance with these regulations while promoting a safe and healthy workplace.
Investing in the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Safe Manual Handling Skills ensures that you are equipped to create a safer work environment. By mastering safe handling techniques, you contribute to a culture of health and safety that benefits both employees and employers. Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal qualifications or improve the safety standards in your organisation, this course provides the tools you need to make a difference. Take action today to protect yourself and your colleagues from unnecessary injuries, boost productivity, and stay compliant with UK safety regulations.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Safe Manual Handling Skills
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Manual Handling and Associated Risks (2 Hours)
- Understand the definition and scope of manual handling.
- Identify common risks associated with manual handling tasks.
- Recognise the impact of poor manual handling on health and safety in the workplace.
- Learn the legal requirements and regulations governing manual handling practices.
Principles of Safe Manual Handling (3 Hours)
- Gain knowledge of the key principles for ensuring safe manual handling.
- Understand the role of posture and body alignment in preventing injury.
- Learn how to assess manual handling tasks for potential risks.
- Develop an understanding of the importance of proper lifting techniques.
Techniques for Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, and Pulling (4 Hours)
- Master the correct techniques for lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling in a safe manner.
- Understand the importance of using proper body mechanics during manual handling.
- Learn the appropriate steps to take when performing these tasks to reduce strain and prevent injury.
- Recognise when assistance or mechanical aids should be used to safely carry out manual handling tasks.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures in Manual Handling (4 Hours)
- Learn how to carry out a risk assessment for manual handling activities.
- Understand the process of identifying hazards and assessing risks related to manual handling.
- Develop strategies to control or eliminate risks in manual handling tasks.
- Understand the significance of control measures such as training, equipment, and organisational procedures.
Practical Application of Manual Handling Techniques (5 Hours)
- Apply the learned principles and techniques in practical scenarios.
- Conduct hands-on exercises to practice safe manual handling techniques.
- Learn how to assess real-life manual handling situations and adjust approaches accordingly.
- Gain confidence in performing manual handling tasks safely in various work environments.
Ergonomics and Body Mechanics in Manual Handling (4 Hours)
- Understand the role of ergonomics in reducing strain during manual handling tasks.
- Learn how to implement ergonomic principles to improve workplace safety.
- Explore the importance of body mechanics and their role in preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
- Learn how to adapt tasks and workspaces to reduce the risk of injury.
Workplace Adaptations and Equipment for Safe Manual Handling (4 Hours)
- Gain knowledge on the use of mechanical aids and equipment to assist with manual handling.
- Understand how to make workplace adaptations to support safe manual handling practices.
- Learn about different types of lifting aids and when to use them.
- Develop strategies to ensure the appropriate use of manual handling equipment in your workplace.
Creating a Safety Culture and Compliance in the Workplace (4 Hours)
- Learn how to foster a culture of safety within the workplace.
- Understand the importance of compliance with manual handling regulations and company policies.
- Learn how to communicate safety procedures effectively to staff.
- Develop skills in promoting safety awareness and best practices among employees.
Here are the course benefits for the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Safe Manual Handling Skills:
- Enhanced Safety Awareness: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of manual handling risks and how to mitigate them, contributing to a safer work environment.
- Compliance with Regulations: The course ensures that employees are equipped with the knowledge to comply with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues and workplace accidents.
- Improved Workplace Efficiency: By implementing safe manual handling techniques, employees can reduce time spent on injury-related absences, improving overall productivity and efficiency.
- Prevention of Injuries: Participants will learn how to apply correct lifting techniques, ergonomic principles, and risk assessments, significantly lowering the chance of musculoskeletal injuries.
- Practical Skills and Confidence: Through hands-on practice and real-world application of techniques, participants will become more confident and proficient in handling tasks safely, leading to better performance on the job.
- Cost Reduction: By reducing injuries, the course can help lower healthcare and workers’ compensation costs for organisations, leading to significant cost savings in the long term.
- Promotion of a Safety Culture: The course teaches participants how to foster a safety-conscious environment, encouraging a culture of responsibility and collaboration that benefits everyone in the workplace.
- Better Decision-Making: Participants will gain the skills to assess manual handling tasks effectively, enabling them to identify risks and implement control measures to prevent accidents.
- Increased Career Opportunities: Completing this diploma enhances participants’ qualifications, making them more attractive to employers who prioritise safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
- Improved Employee Wellbeing: By focusing on reducing injury risks and promoting safe manual handling practices, employees can experience fewer injuries and better overall health, contributing to their long-term wellbeing.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Safe Manual Handling Skills is ideal for:
- Health and Safety Officers: Professionals responsible for ensuring workplace safety, looking to enhance their knowledge of manual handling practices and risk management.
- Supervisors and Managers: Individuals overseeing teams who need to implement safe manual handling techniques and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Workplace Health and Safety Trainers: Trainers who provide safety training in various industries, seeking to improve their expertise in manual handling techniques and risk assessment.
- Human Resources Professionals: HR managers involved in employee health and wellbeing, who wish to develop policies and training programs related to safe manual handling.
- Warehouse and Logistics Staff: Employees working in environments where manual handling is a primary part of their job, such as warehouse staff, movers, and distribution workers.
- Construction Workers and Supervisors: Those working in the construction industry, where manual handling tasks like lifting and carrying heavy materials are common.
- Healthcare Providers: Nurses, carers, and other healthcare professionals who assist patients and need to apply safe manual handling techniques in their daily duties.
- Occupational Health Professionals: Individuals involved in occupational health and safety, looking to deepen their understanding of manual handling safety to support employee health and wellbeing.
- Safety Consultants: Consultants who advise organisations on health and safety matters, particularly in environments where manual handling is a significant risk factor.
- Anyone Involved in Physical Labour: This course is beneficial for anyone involved in physical tasks that require lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects, particularly those working in manual labour roles.
