HSE urges a rethink of off-the-shelf Manual Handing Training

Off-the-shelf manual handling training should become a thing of the past, according to new advice released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

What does this mean?

Well here at Kaill we have always tailored our training to the work force and their working environment which is what is needed if we are going to reduce the amount of MSD injuries (musculoskeletal disorder).

The main focus was the companies that complete in-house manual handing training, as this is proven to be non beneficial to the reduction of MSD in the workplace.

So what can be done to reduce the MSD’s within the workplace?

First and foremost company owners need to recognise that they have to accept that they need help and source advice and guidance from people that know the topic.

This external advice doesn’t have to be expensive nor would it  mean that companies couldn’t / shouldn’t still complete in-house training.

They do need to ensure that they are focused on reducing manual handing injuries by changing their delivery and content of the in-house training course.

The Research has shown that general training in lifting techniques is an ineffective way of controlling the risks of manual handling in businesses.

By getting help to change the way you work, you can reduce manual handling risks and avoid paying for ineffective or unnecessary training.

The full press release can be found here.

There are many ways of improving manual handing within the workplace, below is a number of ways you can reduce manual handing by gaining expert help and guidance;

Comprehensive approach to managing MSD risks in your business

Do you need someone to:

• assess and prioritise your risks
• provide advice on control measures and their cost effectiveness
• identify, implement or tailor management systems to help you prevent, reduce or manage risks
• provide or recommend an occupational health provider to advise on management of cases
• advise you how to involve your employees and their representatives
• suggest ways of monitoring and measuring performance

MSD risk assessment

Do you need help to:

• carry out risk assessments for you
• train your employees to carry out risk assessments
• advise how to involve workers or representatives
• identify practical and effective control measures

Workplace organisation and design changes

Do you need help to:

• design-out or reduce MSD risks
• identify changes to how work is organised or to the workplace
• carry out a cost-benefit analysis
• involve workers and their representatives in designing and implementing any changes
• identify suitable equipment

Changing attitudes, behaviours and providing tailored training

Do you need help in:

• analysing working practices to fully appreciate the context and demands of the work
• engaging management and involving workers and their representatives
• providing tailored training which will help change attitudes and behaviours
• making better use of equipment

This last area will take time and is also referred to as the Health & Safety Culture, but with good Managment this can and does change for the good, which we have seen in a number of our customers throughout the last few years.

If you would like help and advice then why not get in contact today, is all you have to do is Click Here or return to our home page and request a call back free of charge.