Introduction to Manual Handling (21465)

This manual handling course is designed to give employers and their employees the knowledge to assess and minimise the risks of injury from manual handling operations.

It highlights useful information and practical techniques required for managing and carrying out safe manual handling activities.

The course follows the requirements of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR).

Course Aims

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain what is meant by manual handling
  • Identify common causes of injury and potential long-term damage to health as a result of poor manual handling techniques
  • Explain the steps of a manual handling risk assessment
  • Explain the control measures that can be put in place to reduce the risk of injury
  • Recognise and put into practice appropriate manual handling techniques to maintain a safe working environment
Duration: This course will take approximately 1 hour to complete  

 

You do not need to finish it in 1 session. Each time you log in you can continue where you left off.

Course content

The Importance of Safe Manual Handling

  • What is manual handling?
  • Who does manual handling effect?
  • What does the law say?
  • Employer Duties
  • Employee Duties
  • Manual Handling Injuries
  • The musculoskeletal system 
Risk Assessments and Reducing the Risk of Manual Handling Injuries
  • What is a risk assessment?
  • Who is responsible for carrying out a risk assessment?
  • Assessing the risks - TILE-O  (Task, Individual, Load, Environment, Other factors to consider)
  • Recording your findings
  • Reviewing and updating risk assessments
  • Manual handling training
Avoiding and Controlling the Risks
  • Avoiding manual handling tasks
  • Controlling the risk
  • Lifting and handling aids and devices
  • Team handling
  • Personal protective equipment
  Safe Manual Handling Techniques
  • Lifting and lowering techniques
  • Safe weights for lifting and lowering
  • Pushing and pulling techniques
  • Pushing and pulling load guidelines
Last reviewed: May 2026