A manual handling risk assessment helps an Irish employer identify where lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling could cause injury and decide what practical controls are needed. Training can support safe work, but it does not replace looking at the task and reducing avoidable risk.
Look at what people actually do during a normal shift. Consider the load, how often it is moved, the distance travelled, the space available, the floor and any time pressure. Ask the people doing the work where the strain or awkward movements occur.
Risk can be affected by the worker’s capability, the layout, lighting, access routes and the equipment available. A solution might involve changing the height or location of storage, reducing load size, improving the route or using a suitable handling aid.
The Health and Safety Authority advises employers to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, assess tasks that cannot be avoided and reduce the risk. A course alone does not make an unsafe task safe. Review the control measures when the task, equipment or workplace changes.
Read the HSA’s manual handling guidance.
When considering manual handling training in Ireland, explain the tasks and risks your team faces. Ask the provider about the course content, assessment, delivery format, instructor competence and any certificate or award included. Confirm that the training is suitable for the work being carried out.
ACE offers Manual Handling Training. View the course details or contact ACE to discuss group requirements.
