🧍‍♂️ Manual Handling: The Hidden Cause of 30% of Workplace Injuries in Ireland - Training is essential

spelicnicolette
Nov 1
3 min read

Why quick 30-minute sessions won’t cut it — and how real training protects your team’s health and your business

Manual handling is one of the leading causes of non-fatal workplace injuries in Ireland.According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), manual handling accidents account for nearly 30% of all reported workplace incidents — making it one of the most common reasons people are injured at work.(HSA – Guide to the Manual Handling of Loads)

These injuries often develop over time — a strained back here, a pulled shoulder there — but the consequences can last a lifetime.And while many organisations still view manual handling training as a quick compliance box to tick, at SkillWise, we know it deserves far more attention.

⚠️ Why Proper Manual Handling Training Matters

In most workplaces, lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying tasks are part of everyday routines. But these actions, when done incorrectly or under pressure, can cause musculoskeletal injuries that don’t just hurt people — they cost businesses time, money, and morale.

The HSA’s guidance is clear:

“Where manual handling … involves a risk of injury, the employer must take measures to avoid or reduce the need for such manual handling.”

That means training, risk assessment, and proper systems of work are essential.It’s not enough to show someone “how to lift” — staff must understand why techniques matter, how their body works, and how to identify and reduce risks in their specific job.

🕒 Why We Don’t Offer 30-Minute “Quick Fix” Sessions

At SkillWise, we regularly get asked, “Can you just do a short manual handling session — about half an hour?”Our answer is simple: No — because it’s not effective, and it’s not safe.

Here’s why:

Real learning takes time.A quick talk doesn’t allow participants to understand anatomy, posture, or risk factors. It’s the same as learning CPR — you can’t just watch a demo; you have to practise it.
Each workplace is different.What’s safe in a salon differs from what’s safe in a warehouse or nursing home. Quality training looks at your actual work environment, not just a slideshow.
We take your employees’ wellbeing seriously.A rushed course might satisfy a checkbox — but it won’t stop injuries. We want every participant to leave understanding how to protect themselves, not just how to pass an assessment.
Compliance requires depth.Under Regulation 69 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, employers must ensure that training covers task-specific risks and effective manual handling techniques. A 30-minute session can’t meet that standard.

💪 Why It’s Worth Doing Right

Investing in high-quality, certified manual handling training shows that you value your people, not just your paperwork.

When employees see that their employer provides professional, hands-on, QQI-accredited training, it sends a clear message:

“Your safety and wellbeing matter.”

The benefits are real:

Fewer injuries and sick days
Better posture and awareness
Higher morale and engagement
Proof of compliance for audits or inspections

It’s not just about lifting safely — it’s about creating a culture of care and prevention.

✅ What Quality Manual Handling Training Should Include

When choosing a provider, look for a course that covers:

Anatomy and biomechanics of the spine
Ergonomics and risk assessment
Practical lifting, pushing, and pulling exercises
How to identify and control workplace hazards
Certification by a QQI-Level 6 Manual Handling Instructor

At SkillWise, we deliver certified Manual Handling training in Roscommon, Athlone, Longford, and Westmeath — designed to meet HSA standards and tailored to your workplace.

💬 In Summary

Manual handling might seem simple — but it’s responsible for nearly a third of all workplace injuries in Ireland.By taking the time to train properly, your organisation shows it’s serious about safety, wellbeing, and compliance.

At SkillWise, we believe that when people understand the why behind safe handling, they don’t just lift better — they work better.

👉 Learn more or book your next course: www.skillwise.ie/manual-handling-course