Lifting and carrying loads is often the cause of many accidents in the UK and across the world. This is due to poor technique and incorrect posture whilst performing a lifting/carrying task. One in three accidents in the workplace are causes by manual handling, hence why it is important to adopt correct techniques.
Did you know over 300,000 people in the UK suffer from back pain that was caused by manual handling accidents, and that could have been easily prevented. The main area that injuries tend to affect is the back, including the spine and other muscles.
So how do I correctly carry and transport a load?
The initial answer is simple. By positioning yourself directly in front of the load, crouching down and ensuring you keep your back straight, get a secure grip on your load and lift by using your legs rather than your back. However, there are still many other factors that involve manual handling that are vital to understand to ensure your own safety.
At Ace Trainers we provide thorough manual handling training both on your company site or at our accredited training centre in Hampshire. During these courses you will be taught many things, both theoretical and practical, concluded with examinations to prove understanding. The course begins with the theoretical lessons, which includes the relevant safety legislation. The main ones being the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. The course then moves on to correct lifting positions and techniques and how to keep yourself safe whilst carrying loads, followed by video aids and questions. During the practical lessons, the instructor will demonstrate the correct lifting techniques as linked back to the theory and answer any questions as the course proceeds. The delegates will then get the opportunity to practice their lifting techniques by lifting and carrying loads to and from different locations, whilst the instructor can pick up on any key points if appropriate.
We at Ace Trainers strive to ensure that delegates fully understand the content provided so that they can put this into practice, to overall prevent accidents and injuries to themselves at the workplace.
Our manual handling training courses can be enquired through our website by clicking here, or alternatively you can call our friendly office staff at 01256 889489.