Unsafe manual handling practices for lifting, pulling, and carrying are among the most common causes of workplace injuries in Australia. Without proper training, these movements can compromise your organisation’s productivity and employee retention. Protect your staff and bottom line with these 10 choices for an online manual handling course Australia.
Manual handling is a strenuous task that poses significant physical risks to workplaces in Australia. According to the latest release from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, lifts, bends, pulls, and pushes account for 24% of occupational injuries, making them the most common cause.
This highlights the importance of an online manual handling course in Australia, which is crucial in safeguarding your employees’ well-being. The training equips frontline workers with the skills to perform load relocations safely, preventing long-term health issues and enhancing work processes.
What is a manual handling course?
A manual handling course trains your employees to perform lifts, carries, pulls, and pushes safely at work. It teaches them the best techniques, essential knowledge, complete planning, and crucial risk assessments to minimise injury hazards when manually relocating loads.
At the same time, manual handling training is vital for overall workplace compliance. While there are no specified training requirements for load relocation, Australian laws and federal regulations require employers to deliver training related to hazardous tasks. In this case, manual handling is included due to its associated risks.
How to get a manual handling certificate in Australia
Gaining a manual handling certificate proves an employee's ability to move goods, products, and equipment safely and efficiently. It adds credibility to your organisation’s operations, enhancing customer trust and encouraging repeat business.
Here are the steps to secure certification:
Be eligible for training: To qualify, the learner should meet the course’s age requirements, be in good physical condition, and possess a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Enroll in a course with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO): A manual handling course with an accredited facilitator assures a quality program. This makes sure employees gain nationally recognised qualifications and statements of attainment.
Complete manual handling training: Workers can complete courses online or in person. These lessons should include theoretical and practical topics related to codes of practice, risk assessments, and safety techniques.
Pass the certification assessment: A qualified and accredited evaluator should examine your employee’s load relocation skills for certification. Evaluations should take place in actual operations or simulations of real workplace conditions.
Recertify based on your location’s requirements: Manual handling certificates are valid for two or three years, depending on your state or territory’s regulations. This promotes regular retraining to keep employees updated on skills and conduct.
Achieve exceptional operations with manual handling courses
Your teams can boost productivity when equipped with the right skills and knowledge for manual handling. This training helps them practice the best load relocation techniques and procedures. The approach leads to fewer absences and less downtime caused by injuries, ultimately increasing the quality and quantity of tasks completed.
With Mitti (by SafetyCulture), you can seamlessly keep teams on top of quality and safety. Our frontline team solutions include Blended Learning, which combines in-person training and online courses for flexible upskilling. We also offer Practical Assessments, a digital evaluation tool that eliminates the hassle of endless paper checklists.
Develop a business driven by efficiency and uncompromising safety with an online manual handling course. Sign up for Mitti (by SafetyCulture) today!