Training can be important in raising awareness and reducing risk, but it won't ensure safe manual handling on its own. You should first design the manual handling operations to be as safe as reasonably practicable. You should also monitor and review procedures to make sure workers understand and apply them.
Training should be relevant to the type of work carried out and should cover:
- Manual handling risk factors and how injuries can happen
- How to use mechanical aids
- How to carry out safe manual handling, including good handling techniques
- Systems of work relevant to the worker's tasks and environment
- Practical work so the trainer can identify anything the trainee is not doing safely and put it right
The content of any training in good handling technique should be tailored to the tasks the workers carry out. (Source:HSE)