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Online Manual Handling Awareness

25.00+ VAT

Manual Handling Awareness Course

4.7 (155 reviews)
Help employees to be sufficient in safe manual handling RoSPA Assured Certificate

Unlimited Resits Customer Support Instant Access

£25.00 +VAT per person

Course information
  • Certificate on Successful Completion
  • Access course on Desktop, Laptop or Tablet
  • 15Multiple Choice Questions
  • Course Duration: 30 Minutes
  • CPD Points: 1

Our online Manual Handling Awareness Training course introduces learners to the principles of safe manual handling, helping them recognise potential hazards and understand how to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace

Everyday tasks such as lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling loads can lead to injuries when carried out incorrectly or without appropriate precautions. This awareness course explores common manual handling risks, the types of injuries that can occur and the importance of workplace risk assessments in identifying and controlling hazards.

Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers must take appropriate steps to prevent or reduce the risks associated with hazardous manual handling activities. Employees also have responsibilities for following safe systems of work and taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

  • Work towards compliance with UK Health and Safety legislation
  • Train online at your own pace with a full audio voiceover
  • Translations across multiple languages available
  • Assured by RoSPA & Accredited by CPD
  • Certificate on successful completion
  • Course duration: 30 minutes
  • Unlimited resits at no cost

Who is this Manual Handling Awareness Online for?

This online Manual Handling Awareness course is suitable for employees who need a basic understanding of manual handling risks and safer working practices. It is particularly relevant to those who occasionally lift, carry, push or pull objects as part of their workplace duties.

The training may benefit office workers, retail staff, warehouse employees, managers and supervisors across a range of industries.

Course Screenshots

  • Manual Handling Awareness - Introduction to Manual Handling
  • Manual Handling Awareness - Types of Movement
  • Manual Handling Awareness - Musculoskeletal Disordres (MSDs)

Course Aim

The aim of this Manual Handling Awareness course is to provide learners with an introductory understanding of manual handling hazards, common causes of injury and the precautions that can help reduce risks in everyday workplace activities.

Learners will develop awareness of factors that make manual handling tasks hazardous, the role of workplace risk assessments and when additional precautions or assistance may be needed to carry out tasks safely.

For those seeking a more detailed understanding of manual handling, our Manual Handling Training (Understanding) course provides further guidance on handling techniques, risk assessment principles and legal responsibilities. This may be particularly relevant to employees who undertake manual handling activities regularly.

Learning Objectives

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

  • Name which activities come under the term ‘manual handling’
  • Recognise the role of RIDDOR, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • List the 5 steps of a risk assessment
  • Give the definitions of ‘risk’ and ‘hazard’
  • Recognise the responsibilities of employers and employees
  • Identify different types of PPE
  • Identify the steps required in order to safely lift safely

Course Content

This course is made up of the following modules:

  • An Introduction to Manual Handling

    This section covers an introduction to Manual Handling and work-related MSD statistics.

  • Module 1 - Manual Handling – RIDDOR, Types of Movement and MSDs

    This section covers what RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences) Regulations cover, Different Types of Movement that can cause injury and what Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are and the damage that can arise from improper manual handling.

  • Module 2 - Manual Handling Regulations, Risk Assessment of Manual Handling Tasks and Employees Duties.

    This section covers assessing the type of manual handling required to complete tasks along with the regulations that cover manual handling. Furthermore, we look at the types of lifting aids that can be used and the duty of the employees and guidance for safe lifting.

Download Course Overview (PDF)

Assessment

On completion of the course lessons and training material an online assessment will automatically unlock. The assessment will contain 15 multiple-choice questions and a mark of 75% or above will be required to pass.

The assessment will be marked instantly and so you will know straight away if you have passed or not. If you don't pass first time there's no need to worry. Unlimited resits at absolutely no additional charge are available so you can retake the assessment again as many times as you need to.

Manual Handling Awareness Certification

Our entire library of training courses is accredited by the CPD Certification Service as adhering to the universally recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

This training course and its content has also been assured by RoSPA, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Manual Handling Awareness Certificate

Upon passing the online assessment you will have the options to both print and download your Manual Handling Awareness Certificate in PDF format. In addition to this an automated email will also be sent to your chosen email address containing a link to your certificate ensuring you always have access to a copy.

Furthermore, a QR code is displayed on each certificate which when scanned by a smartphone links to our certification database. This allows employers, auditors and local authority inspectors, for example, to establish a certificates validity instantly and at any time.

Available in Multiple Languages

This training course includes machine generated translated content free of charge in the languages listed below:

  • Bulgarian, Czech, Hungarian
  • Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish
  • Portuguese, Romanian, Russian & Slovak

Please note: Course content which is not English may be machine translated and is made available for assistive purposes only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of any translations.

Common Manual Handling Awareness Training Questions

Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers must avoid hazardous manual handling activities where reasonably practicable, assess unavoidable risks and take appropriate steps to reduce the likelihood of injury.

Employers must provide suitable information, instruction and training where necessary to help employees carry out their work safely. Manual Handling Awareness training can support these responsibilities by helping employees recognise common hazards, understand workplace risks and follow safer handling practices.

The level of training required will depend on the tasks employees undertake and the risks involved. Some roles may require additional task-specific instruction or practical training.

Manual Handling Awareness training is suitable for employees who need a basic understanding of manual handling hazards and safer working practices, particularly those who occasionally lift, carry, push or pull objects as part of their job.

Examples of employees who may benefit can include:

  • Office and administrative workers – moving boxes, office supplies or equipment.
  • Retail and customer service staff – unpacking deliveries, restocking shelves or moving products.
  • Warehouse employees – occasionally handling stock, packages or equipment.
  • Managers and supervisors – recognising manual handling hazards and supporting safer working practices within their teams.

Employees who regularly perform physically demanding or higher-risk manual handling tasks may require additional, task-specific training and practical instruction appropriate to their responsibilities.

Employers should review training needs regularly to ensure employees maintain the knowledge required to carry out manual handling activities safely.

Refresher training may be necessary when:

  • Workplace tasks change: employees begin handling different loads or using new equipment.
  • New risks are identified: a risk assessment highlights additional manual handling hazards.
  • An accident or near miss occurs: an incident indicates that existing safety practices may need improvement.
  • Unsafe practices are observed: employees demonstrate gaps in their knowledge or understanding.

Employers should determine appropriate refresher intervals based on workplace risks, employee responsibilities and the effectiveness of existing training.


The Importance of Manual Handling Awareness

Light objects can contribute to injuries when handled repeatedly or in awkward positions. Recognising these risks is an important part of preventing manual handling injuries in the workplace.

Manual handling injuries commonly affect the back, shoulders, neck, arms and other parts of the body involved in lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling loads. These injuries can occur suddenly or develop gradually through repeated physical strain.

Some of the most common types can include:

  • Back injuries muscle strains and other back problems caused or aggravated by awkward lifting, twisting or excessive physical effort.
  • Muscle strains and ligament sprains – injuries resulting from overstretching or placing excessive force on muscles and joints.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – conditions affecting muscles, joints and tendons that may develop or worsen through repetitive handling activities.
  • Hand and foot injuries – cuts, bruises or crush injuries caused by dropped loads or trapped fingers.

Manual handling hazards can arise during everyday workplace activities, even when moving relatively light objects. Recognising these hazards helps employees identify situations where additional precautions may be necessary.

Common hazards can include:

  • Awkward postures
  • Repetitive movements
  • Heavy or unstable loads
  • Restricted working spaces

Being aware of these hazards allows employees to recognise potentially unsafe manual handling situations and seek appropriate guidance before carrying out a task.

If a manual handling task appears unsafe, employees should avoid starting the activity, or stop if it is already underway, where they can do so safely. They should report the concern to their supervisor or manager and seek guidance before continuing.

Depending on the situation, appropriate action may include:

  • Assessing the immediate hazards – recognising obstacles, unstable loads or other conditions that could cause injury.
  • Using suitable handling equipment – following workplace procedures when trolleys, lifting aids or other equipment are available.
  • Following safe systems of work – using the instructions and control measures established for the task.

Employees should not attempt to complete a task they believe is unsafe simply to save time. Any concerns should be addressed before work resumes.

Workplace Scenario
1 / 3

Repeated Lifting of Light Objects

Situation

An office administrator regularly moves small boxes of archived documents between storage shelves and desks. Although each box is relatively light, the employee repeatedly bends and twists while moving them.

What went wrong?

The employee assumed that light objects presented little risk and continued these repetitive movements without recognising the physical strain involved. Over time, they developed lower back discomfort.

Key takeaway

Even light objects can contribute to manual handling injuries when moved repeatedly or in awkward positions. Recognising these hazards early can help prevent longer-term problems.

Workplace Scenario

An Unstable Delivery in a Retail Store

Situation

A retail employee is asked to move a large delivery box from the stockroom to the shop floor. The box is bulky, and its contents shift when the employee attempts to lift it.

What went wrong?

The employee underestimated the difficulty of handling the unstable load and attempted to move it without seeking assistance. The box slipped from their grip, causing a minor hand injury.

Key takeaway

The size, shape and stability of a load can make manual handling hazardous, regardless of its weight. Employees should recognise when a task may require additional precautions or assistance.

Workplace Scenario

Recognising a Restricted View

Situation

A hotel employee is preparing to move several boxes of supplies from a storeroom to another area. They realise that carrying multiple boxes at once would obstruct their view of the walkway ahead.

What went wrong?

The task had not accounted for the difficulty of carrying several boxes together. However, the employee recognised the potential hazard before starting and decided to seek guidance rather than risk an accident.

Key takeaway

Recognising when a load restricts visibility is an important part of manual handling awareness. Employees should avoid proceeding with unsafe tasks and seek appropriate assistance or guidance.

Course Reviews

4.7.

(155 reviews)

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Help employees to be sufficient in safe manual handling RoSPA Assured Certificate

4.7 (155 reviews)

£25.00 +VAT per person

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Course information
  • Certificate on Successful Completion
  • Access course on Desktop, Laptop or Tablet
  • Machine Translated Content Available for 10 Languages
  • 15 Multiple Choice Questions
  • Course Duration: 30 Minutes
  • CPD Points: 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Our training is completed online, using only a web browser.

After choosing the courses and completing the online transaction, you'll recieve an email providing access to the course. Use the details to register the course yourself or if it's for someone else, simply forward the email on.

Purchasing training for your team is simple.

Just add the courses you need to your basket and complete the checkout process. If you're purchasing 5 or more courses, we'll provide you with access to our Training Management System (TMS).

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Once your account is set up, we're happy to show you around the system and help you get the most from its features. If you have any questions, our support team is always here to help at support@train4academy.co.uk.

Yes. We offer automatic discounts on larger orders, and any applicable discount will be applied instantly at checkout across all courses in the basket.

Depending on the number of courses purchased we provide the following discounts below. If you're looking to purchase a higher volume, please contact us and we'll be happy to discuss additional volume discounts.

  • Purchase 10+ courses and recieve 10%
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If you're purchasing a larger volume of training and would prefer to be invoiced, please contact us on 01482 861 040 or email enquiries@train4academy.co.uk.

Our training is designed to fit around your schedule. Everybody receives 2 years from date of purchase, so there's no rush to complete your training course.

You can work through the training at your own pace, pause whenever you need to, and return whenever it's convenient. Your progress is automatically saved, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off.

Even after you've successfully passed the assessment, you'll still be able to access the training materials whenever you need to refresh your knowledge

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