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1. Module 1. Why manual handling matters, and the law

   Manual handling means lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load by hand or with bodily force. It causes more workplace injuries than almost anything else.

   What you will learn

   • Explain what manual handling is.
   • Describe what the law in the UK requires of employers and employees.
   • Explain why training alone is not enough.

   Key points

   • Manual handling includes lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and holding loads.
   • Employers must avoid risky handling where possible, assess what remains and reduce the risk.
   • Training is one part of the answer. Making the task safer comes first.
   • Employees must follow safe systems, use the aids provided and report problems.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Health and Safety Executive guidance (L23).

2. Module 2. Your back and how injuries happen

   Knowing how your spine works makes it easier to understand why some movements are risky.

   What you will learn

   • Describe the basic structure of the spine.
   • Name the most common handling injuries.
   • Explain which movements put the most strain on your back.

   Key points

   • The spine is strongest when it keeps its natural curves.
   • Most handling injuries are strains and sprains; disc injuries can be serious and lasting.
   • Holding the load far away, twisting, bending, reaching and frequent lifting all increase the risk.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Health and Safety Executive guidance (L23).

3. Module 3. Assessing the risk: task, individual, load and environment

   Before any lift, stop and think. A quick check of four things tells you whether it is safe and what would make it safer.

   What you will learn

   • Use the TILE check before a lift.
   • Recognise the risk factors set out in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations.
   • Choose ways to reduce the risk.

   Key points

   • Use TILE before any lift: task, individual, load, environment.
   • There is no legal maximum weight. Guideline figures help decide when a fuller assessment is needed.
   • Reduce the risk by changing the task, the load or the environment, and get help when needed.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Health and Safety Executive guidance (L23).

4. Module 4. Safe handling technique and handling aids

   When a lift cannot be avoided, good technique lowers the strain on your body. Handling aids make many lifts unnecessary.

   What you will learn

   • Follow the steps of a safe lift.
   • Push and pull loads safely.
   • Use trolleys, sack trucks and team lifts correctly.

   Key points

   • Think and test the load before lifting.
   • Stand close, bend your knees, keep the load close, lift with your legs, do not twist.
   • Push rather than pull, and check the route.
   • Use handling aids and agree a leader for team lifts.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Health and Safety Executive guidance (L23).

5. Module 5. Practical assessment: your lifting video

   To finish the course, you show that you can put what you have learned into practice. You record a short video of yourself doing a safe lift and upload it for review.

   What you will learn

   • Prepare a safe space and a suitable load for the practical.
   • Record a clear video of the full lift.
   • Understand how the video is reviewed.

   Key points

   • Use a light, safe load and a clear space.
   • Film the whole lift from the side, in one take, including your TILE check.
   • The reviewer checks each step, and you can try again if needed.
   • Workplace-specific training from your employer is still needed.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Health and Safety Executive guidance (L23).

HygieneReady certificates confirm completion of training. They are not a regulated qualification. Definitions of the key terms are in the glossary.