The Problem

A large event management company in the Midlands was prompted to act, to address the dangers of back disorders in the workplace, by an EssentialSkillz email newsletter publicising the HSE's "Better Backs" campaign. Realising their provision and management of manual handling training and risk assessments could be improved, they got in touch to find out how an online solution could be implemented to improve the situation.

The Solution

Manual Handling Essentials is an online course designed to help organisations deliver  training to employees as soon as they begin work and before they might need to practise a manual handling task.

In this training course employees learn:

• The different types of manual handling injuries and how they occur
• The importance of assessing every manual handling task to reduce the risk of injury 
• The correct handling technique for lifting, carrying and setting down a load

It is perfect as a stand alone solution for office-based employees exposed to minimal handling risks.

This course can also easily be blended with a practical demonstration in correct handling techniques for employees whose work might involve a greater degree of manual handling tasks.

A risk assessment can be attached to the course, allowing an organisation to gauge the number and severity of manual handling risks in the workplace and implement control measures to resolve these concerns.

In Practice

The aim of the project was to train and assess 1000 staff over a four week period. To ensure a high take up rate, the batch email facility within the O-LAS Learning and Assessment System was utilised to deliver introductory and reminder emails. 

Initially this was set up by EssentialSkillz, but training was provided, enabling an administrator at the client's end to manage this process thereafter. An incentive to finish the package was provided in the form of a prize draw. All those employees who completed the training and risk assessment on time were entered into a raffle to win one of three ipods.

The Results

As a result over two thirds of the target group completed the training and risk assessment within the first four weeks. The CEO was so impressed that commitment was made to train and assess all staff using this delivery method.