Manual handling control measures are the practical steps that reduce the risk of injury once you have identified the hazards. In Ireland the approach follows a simple hierarchy: avoid the handling if you can, then reduce and protect. This guide explains how to apply it.
Good control measures protect workers and cut lost days, claims and disruption for employers.
Key takeaways
- Steps to reduce handling risk, following the order: avoid the handling, then assess and reduce it, then protect workers with training and equipment.
- Avoidance - removing the need to handle the load at all is the most effective control.
- Trolleys, sack trucks, pump trucks, hoists, conveyors and adjustable workstations all reduce manual handling.
- Training protects workers once you have avoided and reduced what you can; it is a required part of the controls.
Step 1: Avoid
Can the handling be avoided altogether? Redesign the task, deliver stock closer to the point of use, or use mechanical handling so no one lifts at all. Avoidance is always the strongest control.
Step 2: Assess and reduce
Where handling is unavoidable, complete a manual handling risk assessment and reduce risk: lighter loads, better grips, shorter distances, improved layout and lifting aids like trolleys, hoists and pump trucks.
Ready to get certified? Complete the Manual Handling Course Online Ireland online in about 45 minutes and download your Manual Handling Certificate the moment you pass.
Step 3: Protect with training
Train workers in safe technique and hazard awareness, and provide suitable footwear and gloves. Our Manual Handling Course delivers this training online with certificates for your records.
Keep reviewing
Control measures are not set-and-forget. Review them when tasks, loads or layouts change, and after any incident or near-miss.
What this online course does and does not replace
This online course supports awareness and understanding of safe manual handling principles, correct lifting technique, common hazards and your responsibilities at work. You finish with a recognised Manual Handling Certificate you can show an employer.
Employers may still need to provide task-specific training, supervision and a written manual handling risk assessment for the actual loads and tasks in your workplace. Workers should always follow their employer's procedures, on-site manual handling assessments and internal safety rules. This course does not automatically replace workplace-specific training or practical instruction where these are required by the role.
Frequently asked questions
What are manual handling control measures?
Steps to reduce handling risk, following the order: avoid the handling, then assess and reduce it, then protect workers with training and equipment.
What comes first in the hierarchy?
Avoidance - removing the need to handle the load at all is the most effective control.
What equipment helps?
Trolleys, sack trucks, pump trucks, hoists, conveyors and adjustable workstations all reduce manual handling.
Where does training fit?
Training protects workers once you have avoided and reduced what you can; it is a required part of the controls.
Related Manual Handling guides
- Manual Handling Hazards Explained
- Manual Handling Risk Assessment Ireland: A How-To
- Manual Handling Employer Responsibilities in Ireland
- Manual Handling Course Online Ireland: Train in 45 Minutes
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