Manual handling has often been associated with a high risk of injury; in fact, a recent assessment of causes of such risks ranks lack of proper training in the top five.
Since it may not always be possible to avoid manual handling entirely, it is extremely crucial for those involved to undergo proper training so that their health is not jeopardized – keeping in mind that some of the injuries sustained by the musculoskeletal system are not immediately evident and may in the long run lead to more severe problems. In most parts of the world, it is also a legal requirement.
A manual handling training program would involve instruction on correct practices including when and how best to use handling aids, what to avoid in handling loads, how to avoid danger, how to utilize protective gear and the best techniques to perform tasks among others.
It would also involve specialized training for the various areas that require manual handling namely for healthcare workers, for warehouse personnel and for workers in the office. You would also get to learn the code of handling work that applies to your state.
