To comply with current Health and Safety legislation: The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, (General Applications) Regulations 2007, staff engaged in any form of manual handling must be given training in safe lifting and moving techniques. Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the legislation outline the specific requirements that must be adhered to in respect to manual handling. The definition of manual handling is outlined in Regulation 68 as:

"Any transporting or supporting of any load by one or more employees, and includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving a load, which by reason of its characteristics or unfavourable ergonomic conditions, involves risk, particularly of back injury, to employees."

Irish Wheelchair Association provides a specific manual handling training course that is designed to address the moving and handling of inanimate an animate loads. In particular, our highly qualified manual handling trainers facilitate and demonstrate training in working with people with physical disability. The course also informs participants of the personal consequences of incorrect moving and handling. It is worth noting that back injuries caused by incorrect manual handling techniques are one of the most frequent reported injuries in the workplace.

Manual Handling Training Programme

Introduction

The introduction outlines the programme content with particular emphasis on bringing behaviour changes leading to safe handling practices.

Law

This session covers the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act [General Application] Regulations 2007. Also outlined are the main components ofManual Handling Regulations.

Musculoskeletal

This session looks at the bone and muscle structure especially those of the spine and concentrates on the lumbar area. Inter-vertebral discs are described. Mechanical back injury explained, including soft tissue and disc injury.

Flexibility

An understanding of fitness and its importance is given. Certain important muscle groups are described in a simple manner. Some manual handling exercises are demonstrated, with the emphasis on the correct method of movement.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is defined and its practical application in work situations explained. An ergonomic assessment is shown looking at the person, environment and the task being carried out.

Safe Handling Principles

The Objective of this session is that attendees will be able to list the principles of manual handling and apply them to whatever handling situation they find themselves in.

Practical Sessions

A practical session involving the moving of inanimate loads i.e. boxes is carried out

A practical session involving the safe handling of people with physical disability

Assessment

Participants must successfully complete a written assessment for certification

Interested parties should contact:

Imelda Gaffney
Training Department, Irish Wheelchair Association
Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3
Tel: 01-8186400
Fax: 01-8333873
Email: training@iwa.ie