Course Overview

Manual handling refers to any transporting or supporting of a load by hand or bodily force - including lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving. A "load" can be an object, a person or an animal. In Ireland, manual handling injuries account for a significant proportion of all workplace accidents reported to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), making professional training not just advisable but a legal requirement.

The Auxo Training Manual Handling course equips participants with the essential skills to handle loads safely and efficiently. Through a combination of theory and practical exercises, learners develop the ability to assess risks, plan their approach and apply correct lifting techniques that protect the spine, joints and soft tissues from injury.

This course is delivered in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. It is suitable for employees across every industry - from healthcare and construction to retail, warehousing, hospitality and manufacturing. Upon successful completion, each participant receives a nationally recognised manual handling certificate.

📖 What You Will Learn

Principles of safe manual handling and ergonomic lifting
How to conduct a manual handling risk assessment (TILE model)
Correct posture, grip and stance for lifting and lowering loads
Techniques for pushing, pulling, carrying and team lifting
How to recognise hazardous manual handling situations
Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and back injuries
Legal responsibilities under Irish health and safety legislation
Practical exercises with realistic workplace load scenarios

👥 Who Should Attend

Warehouse, logistics and distribution workers
Construction and trade professionals
Retail staff and shelf stackers
Healthcare workers and hospital staff
Hospitality, catering and kitchen staff
Office workers who handle files, equipment or deliveries
Manufacturing and production line workers
Any employee whose role involves lifting, carrying or moving loads

Course Details

Course Name	Manual Handling - Workplace Safety Training
Duration	4–5 Hours
Format	Classroom-based with practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises
Certificate	🏅 Nationally Recognised Certificate
Compliance	Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 · General Application Regulations 2007
Provider	Auxo Training Ltd
Delivery	On-site at your workplace or at our Dublin facility
Prerequisites	None - suitable for all employees regardless of experience
Refresher	Recommended every 3 years or as per employer policy

Why Manual Handling Training Is a Legal Requirement in Ireland

Manual handling injuries are the single most common cause of workplace absence in Ireland. According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), musculoskeletal disorders - including back pain, herniated discs, shoulder injuries and repetitive strain - account for a disproportionate share of lost workdays and compensation claims. These injuries are not just painful for employees; they're costly for businesses and entirely preventable with proper training.

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, every employer in Ireland has a legal duty to assess manual handling risks in the workplace, implement control measures and provide adequate manual handling training to all employees who carry, lift, push or pull loads as part of their role. Failure to comply can result in HSA enforcement action, improvement notices and prosecution.

Whether you operate in construction, warehousing, retail, healthcare or hospitality, this safe lifting course is designed to meet your compliance obligations while genuinely reducing your team's risk of injury. Auxo Training delivers HSA manual handling training across Ireland - either at your workplace or our professional facility in Dublin. Every participant leaves with a nationally recognised manual handling certificate and the confidence to handle loads safely every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Manual Handling training.

How often is manual handling training required in Ireland?

While Irish legislation does not specify an exact renewal period, best practice and HSA guidance recommend that manual handling training is refreshed every 3 years. However, many employers opt for refresher training every 2 years, particularly in high-risk sectors such as construction, healthcare and warehousing. Training should also be repeated if an employee changes role, new equipment is introduced, or a workplace incident occurs.

Is a certificate provided after the course?

Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, every participant receives a nationally recognised manual handling certificate. This certificate serves as evidence that the holder has received training in compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 and can be presented to employers, auditors and regulatory inspectors.

Which industries require manual handling training?

Manual handling training is relevant to virtually every industry where employees handle loads. This includes construction, warehousing and logistics, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hospitality and catering, agriculture, cleaning services, and office environments. If your employees lift, carry, push, pull or move objects, people or animals as part of their work, manual handling training is a legal requirement.

Can you deliver manual handling training at our workplace?

Absolutely. On-site training is one of our most requested options. We bring everything needed to your location - anywhere in Ireland. On-site delivery has the added benefit of allowing us to use your actual workplace environment and equipment during practical exercises, making the training more relevant and immediately applicable for your team.

What is the TILE risk assessment model?

TILE stands for Task, Individual, Load and Environment - the four key factors to consider when assessing a manual handling operation. Before lifting or moving a load, you should evaluate: the nature of the Task, the capability of the Individual, the characteristics of the Load (weight, shape, stability), and the working Environment (space, flooring, temperature). This framework is taught during the course and helps participants make quick, effective risk assessments in any situation.

Manual Handling - Workplace Safety Training