Supervisors Guide

Manual Handling Guide for Supervisors and Managers

Essential information for supervisors and managers on their role in preventing manual handling injuries. Learn how to support your team, ensure compliance, and create a safer workplace.

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Your Responsibilities

Supervisor Manual Handling Duties

Supervisors play a crucial role in implementing safe manual handling practices.

Risk Identification

Identify manual handling hazards in your area and report them to management for assessment and control.

Training Oversight

Ensure your team members have completed Manual Handling Training and that their certificates are current.

Monitoring Compliance

Observe workers and ensure they use safe techniques. Correct unsafe practices promptly and supportively.

Equipment Access

Ensure workers have access to appropriate handling aids and that equipment is maintained and fit for purpose.

Incident Response

Respond appropriately to manual handling injuries and near-misses. Ensure incidents are reported and investigated.

Team Support

Encourage workers to request help, use equipment, and speak up about concerns without fear of criticism.

Why Supervisors Need Manual Handling Knowledge

Supervisors occupy a unique position in workplace safety. You are close enough to workers to observe their daily activities, yet have the authority to implement changes and enforce standards.

Without proper knowledge of manual handling principles, supervisors cannot effectively identify risks, recognise poor technique, or support their teams in working safely.

Supervisors who understand manual handling can spot problems before they cause injuries. Your awareness and action can prevent the suffering of your team members.

Key Supervisor Competencies

Risk Assessment Awareness

While formal risk assessments may be conducted by health and safety professionals, supervisors should understand the TILE framework and be able to recognise when tasks need assessment:

  • Task - Is the task causing strain? Are workers struggling?
  • Individual - Do workers have the capability and training?
  • Load - Are loads appropriate? Are they properly packaged?
  • Environment - Are there obstacles, poor surfaces, or space constraints?

Safe Technique Recognition

You should be able to observe workers and recognise both good and poor technique:

  • Are workers bending at the knees or at the waist?
  • Are loads being held close to the body?
  • Are workers twisting under load?
  • Are workers using available equipment?
  • Are team lifts being used for heavy loads?

Creating a Positive Safety Culture

As a supervisor, your attitude toward safety directly influences your team. Workers will follow your example and respond to the culture you create.

  1. Lead by example - Use safe techniques yourself
  2. Encourage reporting - Welcome concerns without negative consequences
  3. Support equipment use - Never criticise workers for "wasting time" using trolleys
  4. Recognise good practice - Acknowledge workers who work safely
  5. Address issues promptly - Fix hazards and correct unsafe behaviour quickly
FAQs

Supervisor Questions

Yes. Supervisors should complete Manual Handling Training themselves. This gives you the knowledge to supervise effectively, recognise problems, and lead by example. The same course that workers complete provides the foundation.
Address the issue promptly but supportively. Explain the risks, remind them of training, and ask if there are barriers to safe working. If unsafe behaviour continues, it becomes a disciplinary matter as it affects workplace safety.
Our employer dashboard allows managers to view training status, completion dates, and certificate expiry for all team members. You can set up reminders for expiring certificates and download reports for compliance records.
Ensure the injured person receives appropriate first aid or medical attention. Record the incident in the accident book. Report to management according to your procedures. The incident should be investigated to prevent recurrence.

Train Your Team Today

Ensure your team is properly trained and your certificates are up to date.

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