Course objectives

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the legal responsibilities relating to manual handling
• Recognise the risks associated with manual handling activities
• Apply safe handling techniques to minimise the risk of injury
• Conduct manual handling risk assessments
• Demonstrate correct lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling techniques.

Course Content

1. Introduction to manual handling:

• Definition and importance of manual handling
• Statistics on manual handling injuries
• Employer and employee responsibilities.

2. Legislation and legal requirements:

• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Relevant EU Directives.

3. Manual handling risk assessment:

• Identifying hazards
• Assessing risks
• Control measures and hierarchy of control
• TILE (Task, Individual, Load, Environment) assessment model.

4. The anatomy of the spine and common injuries:

• Structure and function of the spine
• Mechanisms of injury
• Long-term implications of poor manual handling.

5. Principles of safe handling:

• Preparation before handling
• Correct posture and positioning
• Lifting techniques
• Team lifting and use of handling aids
• Pushing and pulling techniques.

6. Practical demonstrations and exercises:

• Hands-on practice of lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
• Application of theory to real-life work situations
• Correct use of equipment (where applicable).

Assessment and certification:

• Assessment: multiple-choice test and practical observation
• Certification: FAA level 2 award in manual handling (principles and practice), valid for 3 years
• Certificate issued by First Aid Awards (FAA), an Ofqual-regulated awarding body.

Entry requirements:

• No prior qualifications or experience required
• Learners should be physically capable of performing practical tasks.

Learning methods:

• Interactive classroom sessions
• Group discussions and case studies
• Practical demonstrations and exercises
• Visual presentations and handouts.

Course benefits:

• Reduced workplace injuries and absenteeism
• Compliance with legal obligations
• Improved safety culture and staff confidence
• Enhanced staff knowledge and skill set.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for staff working across the housing sector, where manual handling is part of day-to-day operations. It’s designed to meet the specific needs of housing providers, housing associations, local authorities, and related contractors.

Repairs and maintenance teams:

• General operatives
• Maintenance technicians
• Plumbers, electricians, decorators, joiners
• Grounds maintenance and gardening staff
• Mobile caretakers / estate services operatives.

Housing officers and property inspectors:

• Housing management staff who may need to move documents, equipment, or assist tenants during property inspections or void turnarounds.

Cleaning and environmental services:

• Cleaners, domestic staff, and caretakers who handle waste, cleaning equipment, and furniture.

Facilities management and building services:

• Facilities supervisors and operatives managing communal areas, stores, equipment, and supplies.

Asset management and development staff:

• Surveyors, contractors, or asset teams who may need to handle equipment or samples during inspections or works.

Supported housing and care staff:

• Sheltered housing workers
• Extra care and supported housing staff assisting residents with furniture, equipment, or mobility aids.

Office and support staff:

• Administrative staff involved in moving boxes, archives, supplies, or setting up equipment for events and meetings.

Contractors and partner organisations:

• Third-party contractors working on behalf of housing providers who need to meet safe working standards.