Manual handling is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries within the health and social care sector. Incorrect lifting, moving, carrying, pushing or pulling techniques can result in serious musculoskeletal injuries to both staff and the people they support.

Vertex Learning Hub’s Manual Handling Training equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to carry out manual handling tasks safely, reducing the risk of injury while promoting dignity, independence and person-centred care.

Our training is delivered by experienced healthcare professionals and complies with current UK legislation, recognised best practice and employer requirements.

Course Overview

This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of safe manual handling principles within healthcare environments.

Participants will learn how to assess manual handling risks, apply safe lifting techniques, use moving equipment correctly and understand their legal responsibilities when assisting individuals.

The programme combines classroom learning with practical demonstrations and supervised practical exercises.

Learning Outcomes

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

• Understand what manual handling is
• Explain the causes of musculoskeletal injuries
• Identify manual handling hazards
• Understand employer and employee legal responsibilities
• Carry out manual handling risk assessments
• Demonstrate correct lifting and moving techniques
• Maintain correct posture during manual handling tasks
• Use manual handling equipment safely
• Apply person-centred approaches during moving and assisting
• Reduce the risk of injury to themselves and others
• Report unsafe practices appropriately

Course Curriculum

Module 1 – Introduction to Manual Handling

• What is manual handling?
• Why manual handling matters
• Statistics and workplace injuries
• Consequences of poor practice

Module 2 – Legislation

Understanding the legal framework including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
• Employer responsibilities
• Employee responsibilities

Module 3 – Anatomy and Physiology

• Structure of the spine
• Muscles and joints
• Common back injuries
• Preventing musculoskeletal disorders

Module 4 – Risk Assessment

Learners will understand:

• TILE principles
  • Task
  • Individual
  • Load
  • Environment
• Dynamic risk assessments
• Identifying hazards
• Safe systems of work

Module 5 – Safe Manual Handling Principles

Including:

• Correct posture
• Safe lifting techniques
• Pushing and pulling
• Carrying safely
• Team lifting
• Avoiding unnecessary lifting

Module 6 – Moving and Assisting People

Healthcare-specific practical guidance covering:

• Assisting individuals safely
• Promoting independence
• Preserving dignity
• Effective communication
• Individual care plans
• Risk management

Module 7 – Manual Handling Equipment

Practical use of:

• Slide sheets
• Transfer boards
• Handling belts
• Hoists (theory or practical depending on workplace)
• Wheelchairs
• Other mobility aids

Module 8 – Practical Assessment

Learners will practise:

• Correct lifting techniques
• Safe posture
• Equipment handling
• Team handling
• Moving individuals safely (where appropriate)

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:

• Healthcare Assistants
• Support Workers
• Senior Carers
• Registered Nurses
• Residential Care Staff
• Domiciliary Care Workers
• Personal Assistants
• Community Support Workers
• Learning Disability Support Staff
• Mental Health Support Workers
• Hospice Staff
• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Physiotherapy Assistants
• Volunteers working within care settings

No previous experience is required.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements.

Learners should have a basic understanding of English to participate in discussions and complete the assessment.

Assessment

Learners will be assessed through:

• Practical observation
• Trainer questioning
• Group participation
• Knowledge assessment

No formal written examination is required.

Certification

Successful learners receive a Vertex Learning Hub Certificate of Achievement.

Certificates are issued on successful completion of the course and are recognised by many employers across the health and social care sector.

Annual refresher training is recommended to maintain competence and meet employer requirements.

Why Choose Vertex Learning Hub?

At Vertex Learning Hub, we focus on practical, engaging and learner-centred training that prepares professionals for real workplace situations.

Our courses are delivered by experienced healthcare trainers who bring extensive frontline knowledge into every session.

When you train with Vertex Learning Hub you benefit from:

• Experienced healthcare trainers
• Interactive practical sessions
• Small class sizes
• Up-to-date course materials
• Flexible training dates
• On-site workplace delivery available
• Affordable group booking discounts
• Friendly learning environment
• Ongoing learner support

Benefits of Manual Handling Training

Effective manual handling training helps organisations:

• Reduce workplace injuries
• Improve staff confidence
• Increase compliance
• Lower sickness absence
• Improve patient safety
• Enhance quality of care
• Meet employer training requirements
• Promote safer working environments

Course Delivery Options

Vertex Learning Hub offers flexible delivery options to meet organisational needs.

Classroom Training

Attend one of our scheduled courses at our training centre.

Workplace Training

Our trainers can deliver the course at your organisation anywhere in the UK.

Bespoke Group Training

Tailored programmes for NHS organisations, care homes, supported living services, domiciliary care providers and charities.