Manual Handling Single Biggest Cause of Reportable Workplace Injuries

Feb. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Most people will experience back pain at some time: statistics indicate that only 2 out of 10 people escape it altogether. Back pain causes around five million days off work in the UK every year, much of it caused by incorrect manual handling techniques. And manual handling incidents account for 38% of serious reportable workplace injuries. Currently, these are injuries resulting in incapacitation for over three days, while in April 2012, when the regulations will be amended, this will change to over seven days.

A Training Solution

Training in manual handling techniques is therefore vitally important. Many organisations are deciding to use their own staff as manual handling trainers, once they have completed a train the trainer course. The City & Guilds Manual Handling Train the Trainer qualification is available from Alistair Bromhead Limited. Places are being snapped up with the first six courses planned for this year already full. Details can be found at http://www.abromhead.co.uk/manual-handling-train-the-trainer.asp.

After the initial investment, training their own trainers brings significant cost savings and other benefits, as they are on hand to observe staff at work and reinforce the training as necessary. They could even be hired out to other companies.

A Cost Saving Solution

Insurance companies are concerned about the compensation being claimed. Claims within the NHS, for example, amount to some £400 million each year. And claims mean that Employer Liability premiums continue to rise, so everyone is financially hit. Some insurance companies are requesting customers prove their proactive stance on this serious health and safety issue by putting their staff through this certified training. In return they can get lower premiums.

Other potential savings come through avoiding the lost production time from incidents that upset processes or damage products as well as causing injury. In some cases temporary or new staff may have to be brought in and trained. And uninsured legal costs and fines can also be crippling.

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Alistair Bromhead courses are delivered at venues all over the country for individuals wanting to get ahead in their chosen workplace. Employers can also arrange in-house courses for between five and twelve staff members. For booking enquiries, call 0800 710 1099 or visit http://www.abromhead.co.uk.