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Course information
Manual Handling is one of several short courses that is included for FREE with a British Safety Council Membership. You will receive 100 e-learning licenses each year.
Course overview
The online Manual Handling training course provides learners with the knowledge and practical understanding needed to reduce the risk of injury when carrying out manual handling activities. The course explains employers’ legal responsibilities, how to identify hazards, carry out manual handling risk assessments and apply safe lifting techniques in the workplace.
Designed for employees across all industries, this course provides a practical introduction to the principles of safe manual handling and manual handling risk reduction. Learners will gain the knowledge needed to reduce the risk of injury when lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and moving loads, and to apply safe lifting techniques that support injury prevention.
Throughout the course, learners will explore how to identify manual handling tasks, assess the characteristics of a load, task, individual and environment, and recognise the level of physical effort required before undertaking any activity. The course also covers safe lifting techniques, including lifting with the legs rather than the back, keeping loads close to the body, and adopting good manual handling practices to minimise the risk of injury.
Learners will also discover how to assess the working environment by considering factors such as available space, lighting and potential hazards, and will understand their responsibilities under manual handling law. In addition, the course highlights the importance of recognising individual capabilities, understanding personal limitations, and working safely with others where appropriate.
Why choose British Safety Council
- For over 60 years, the British Safety Council has been educating millions of workers and making hundreds of thousands of workplaces safer around the world.
- We are a not-for-profit membership organisation, a trusted brand and a leader in driving health, safety and wellbeing innovation and engagement across our global community.
"Manual handling injuries remain a significant cause of workplace ill health and absence, yet many can be prevented through better awareness, planning and risk assessment. This online course helps learners recognise common hazards, understand the principles of safer handling and identify appropriate control measures, enabling them to make better-informed decisions in their day-to-day work."
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a Manual Handling certificate?
British Safety Council’s short course takes 20-30 minutes to complete. It includes a range of e-Learning interactions and knowledge checks. Learners are encouraged to think about policies and procedures in their own workplace and must pass a short multiple-choice assessment to complete the course.
Can I take a Manual Handling course online?
Yes, the course is available online, allowing learners to study at their own pace from any location with internet access.
How much is a Manual Handling course?
Our online Manual Handling training course is £20 + VAT.
How often is it necessary to take a Manual Handling course?
A Manual Handling course should be carried out by new employees and a refresher completed by all employees at least every 12 months.
Is Manual Handling training mandatory?
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from the risks associated with manual handling. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, suitable information, instruction and training should be provided to help employees carry out tasks safely.