Manual Handling For Drivers
Manual handling is a key part of some drivers’ day-to-day operations, so it is important that drivers know how to move loads safely and efficiently, in order to avoid injuring themselves. In fact, in 2013/14, manual handling injuries – such as cuts, fractures and lower back problems – cost the UK about 909,000 working days. Here at Driver Hire Uxbridge, our professional training course offers drivers guidance in how manual handling should be carried out, what obligations employees and employers are subject to, and why certain rules are in place, so that drivers are safe and healthy at all times, enhancing the cost-effectiveness of operations.
Our Manual Handling module lasts for three and a half hours, during which drivers will cover a range of theory and practical topics for ensuring safe manual handling practices. If drivers are working towards their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), this module can be used as part of the required seven hours of training.
Thorough manual handling training
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, all drivers have a responsibility to ensure their own health and safety in the workplace, and that includes moving heavy goods safely. Our specialist Manual Handling course covers a wide range of topics, including:
- What is manual handling? The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) define manual handling as ‘Any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or by bodily force’.
- Manual handling and the law: Drivers will learn about regulations such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and MHOR, and how to ensure both they and their employer comply with the legislations.
- The costs of poor manual handling: We will discuss consequences such as short-term injuries, long-term injuries, mental health issues and musculoskeletal disorders.
- The health hazards: Drivers will be trained in identifying potential hazards to do with manual handling, and adapting their approach in order to avoid them.
- Conducting a manual handling risk assessment: We will help drivers identify situations where a detailed risk assessment may be necessary, and show them how to carry one out, in order to increase the overall safety of a company’s operations.
- Safe lifting technique and mechanical handling equipment: Drivers will learn about how to manually lift heavy items, in order to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the lower back or getting injuries caused by dangerous twisting or bending motions, as well as how to use mechanical equipment safely when moving loads.
- Practical lifting: Our course includes practical demonstrations and activities so that drivers can ensure they fully understand correct lifting techniques.
To find out more about our Manual Handling course, or any of our other training options, contact us at Driver Hire Uxbridge today.