Page 35 - Hub4 Magazine Issue 51

Mentor Training
Why bespoke manual handling packages are beneficial for your business
A comprehensive approach to managing manual handling risks in your business is crucial, now more than ever, after studies from the HSE have shown that manual handling is one of the most common causes of injuries at work with 9.5 million working days per year being lost as a result of this.
Implementing conventional manual handling strategies into your workforce and identifying the risks may seem like the right approach to take; but is it enough?
Recent industry-specific advice is discouraging employers to incorporate off- the-shelf manual handling training and instead invest in a comprehensive course that is tailored directly to the business. Companies dealing with high-risk operations are at the forefront of worker injuries and would benefit from customised instructional techniques for manual handling that are specific to the operational environment.
The key component of tailored training is based upon observation of the current workplace practices and the workers’ observations. The workforce often has the most effective suggestions and a better understanding of the environment and can highlight which practices cause injuries to reoccur such as ascending and descending the cab erroneously or twisting and turning incorrectly on the waste production line.
Working in the extractives and quarrying industry for almost 30 years, Mentor understand more than any other business how important it is to handle equipment safely to avoid injuries; using a training provider to conduct a bespoke course will allow risks to be assessed and prioritised in reference to the job or environment in question. Off-the-shelf manual handling training will not cover the relevancy around an operators’ day-to-day tasks, making the training invaluable and expresses the need for tailored training.
A comprehensive training approach will allow your business to:
• Have the risks assessed and prioritised according to the operational environment.
• Reduce the amount injuries on site and staff illness days.
• Monitor and measure the performance of your business.
• Reduce recurrent training costs by investing in one provider that will be beneficial for all operators on site.
Not only does bad manual handling practice affect the workers, it also directly affects the business, financially and in terms of efficiency and must be highlighted as a vital consideration for the company.
It is apparent that both workers and businesses will benefit exponentially by incorporating tailored, comprehensive and correct manual handling training within the workplace in order to minimise the risk of injury and maximise safety, cost effectiveness and efficiency. For more information on the training and courses that Mentor can offer and how we can deliver a bespoke manual handling course for you, call us today on 01246 386900.
www.hub-4.com July 2018 - Issue 51
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