NUCO Manual Handling Course (Principles and Practice) – FAA Level 2 (1 Day Accredited)

The course content covers a broad range of topics to ensure comprehensive understanding and practical competence in manual handling.

Key topics include:

Introduction to Manual Handling & Legal Context

• Overview of manual handling tasks: lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, lowering loads, and other manual tasks.
• Legal and regulatory framework: employer and employee responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and guidelines.
• Why safe manual handling matters: common injuries, statistics, and long-term health impact.

Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment

• What constitutes a manual handling hazard — load characteristics, environment, frequency, posture, and workplace layout
• How to carry out a manual handling risk assessment, using structured approaches (e.g., TILE: Task, Individual, Load, Environment) where relevant
• Understanding the hierarchy of control measures: eliminate, substitute, use mechanical aids, reduce load, improve handling technique, provide training.

Principles of Safe Manual Handling & Effective Technique

• Body mechanics: correct posture, spine alignment, centre of gravity, leverage when lifting or carrying loads.
• Safe lifting and lowering techniques: single-person lifts, lowering loads, carrying and setting down safely, avoiding twisting or awkward movements.
• Team handling techniques: coordinating with colleagues for larger or awkward loads, correct communication, synchronised movements.
• Use of manual handling aids and equipment (trolleys, hoists, lift assists): when and how to use them appropriately and safely.

Practical Awareness & Workplace Application

• Applying safe handling techniques in real-world workplace scenarios — simulating typical tasks within construction, utilities, warehouse, or general manual handling roles.
• Identifying and adapting to environment-specific risks (confined spaces, uneven ground, stairs, poor lighting, restricted access) when manually handling loads.
• Recognising when manual handling is beyond safe personal capability — when mechanical aid or team lifting is required.

Health & Safety Culture and Ongoing Risk Management

• Understanding the role of safe handling as part of broader health & safety obligations for both employer and employee.
• Encouraging a culture of reporting hazards, unsafe practices, near-misses, and maintaining awareness of ergonomics and manual handling safety over time.
• Documentation and record-keeping for risk assessments, manual handling reviews, and when using mechanical aids.