Practical training based on workplace risks

Employers must avoid hazardous manual handling where possible and assess and reduce any remaining risks. Where employees require manual handling training, it should be relevant to the loads, equipment and tasks involved in their work.

This course supports that process through practical instruction and competency assessment. Learners develop safer lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling techniques and learn how to recognise common manual handling hazards.

What is manual handling?

Manual handling covers any task that involves lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or moving a load by hand or bodily force. It’s one of the leading causes of workplace injury in Ireland — and in most cases, those injuries are preventable with the right training.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 require employers to provide manual handling training for staff whose work involves these tasks. This course is designed to meet that obligation.

Who it’s for

This course suits anyone who carries out manual handling tasks as part of their job — warehouse operatives, healthcare and care staff, construction and facilities workers, office staff, retail employees and anyone in an industrial or production environment.

There are no formal prerequisites. Learners should be physically able to take part in practical exercises, including lifting, carrying and movement tasks.

What you’ll learn

  • Hazards of unsafe lifting and how injuries occur
  • Manual handling legislation and employer responsibilities
  • Anatomy of the spine — why technique matters
  • Risk assessment for manual handling tasks
  • Safe lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling techniques
  • Injury prevention and the role of exercise
  • Practical competency assessment

Duration & assessment

The instructor-led course takes approximately 4 hours. Learners are assessed on both theory and practical skills before the certificate is issued.

A blended option is also available: learners complete the theory element online, then attend a practical lifting assessment with a qualified Manual Handling Instructor to complete certification. Full certification is only issued once the practical assessment is passed — online theory alone is not sufficient.

Format

Fully on-site at your workplace, or instructor-led at our venue. The blended option combines self-paced online theory with an in-person practical assessment arranged by appointment.

Certification & renewal

On successful completion, participants receive a UFAS Manual Handling Certificate of Competence, valid for 3 years.

UFAS recommends renewal before expiry, and sooner where there is a significant change in work activity, equipment, workplace processes or manual handling risk, or following an incident or near miss.

The course is designed to align with Health and Safety Authority (HSA) manual handling training guidance. Please note: the HSA does not formally accredit or issue manual handling certificates — the UFAS certificate confirms completion and demonstrated competence.

On-site, nationwide

We deliver manual handling training at your workplace anywhere in Ireland. On-site training is practical and efficient — your team trains in their own environment, using the equipment and procedures they work with every day. We bring everything needed; you just need a suitable training space.

For larger organisations, multi-site programmes and scheduled repeat sessions can be arranged.

Ready to book or need a group quote? Call us on 01 6991126 or email info@ufas.ie.

Course details

Certification
 UFAS Certificate of Competence on successful completion

Duration
Approximately 4 hours (instructor-led); blended online theory + in-person practical assessment also available

Format
On-site at your workplace or at our venue; blended option available

Assessment
Theory and practical lifting assessment; full certification requires both elements

Certificate validity
3 years; renewal recommended before expiry or following significant change in work activity, equipment or following an incident

Group size
Up to 12 learners per instructor/session

Where
At your workplace, nationwide across Ireland

Price
From €30 per person. Group rates available.