Delivered by QQI Level 6 instructors
Manual Handling Training
Practical training for employees who lift, lower, carry, push, pull or move loads at work. Choose onsite group training anywhere in Ireland or book an upcoming public half-day course at our Galway training centre.
Practical training for handling loads at work
Manual handling includes lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or otherwise moving a load. Usafety training combines risk awareness with practical demonstrations, coached practice and an assessment of the techniques covered.
Training should be relevant to the work being performed and does not replace the employer's duty to assess and reduce manual handling risk. The Health and Safety Authority explains the risk-management and training requirements in its manual handling guidance.
Choose how to train
Arrange group training at your workplace or book an individual place on an upcoming Galway course.
Onsite workplace training
Bring a QQI Level 6 Manual Handling Instructor to your premises for practical group training connected to your workplace and its handling tasks.
- Delivery at your premises across Ireland
- Practical demonstrations and coached practice
- Scheduling around teams and shift patterns
- Participant knowledge and practical assessment
Public manual handling course
Book an individual place on a practical half-day course at the Usafety Training Centre in Ballybane, Galway.
- 3.5-hour half-day programme
- Safe lifting and carrying techniques
- Practical hands-on training
- Certificate on completion
Manual handling training by location
Explore local delivery options for onsite workplace training in Ireland's main business regions.
What the course covers
Theory and practical instruction for employees who handle workplace loads.
Manual handling risk awareness
Recognise the task, load, environment and individual factors that can make handling work higher risk.
Safe lifting and lowering
Learn and practise an appropriate approach to lifting and lowering workplace loads.
Carrying, pushing and pulling
Apply safe handling principles beyond lifting, including carrying loads and moving them with suitable equipment.
Practical demonstrations
Work directly with an instructor, practise technique and receive feedback during the session.
Task-specific factors
Connect the training to the loads, spaces, work patterns and equipment found in your workplace.
Knowledge and practical assessment
Confirm that participants understand the course and can demonstrate the techniques covered.
Manual handling training for teams across Irish workplaces
Manual handling guidance and related training
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about workplace manual handling training in Ireland.
What does the Usafety manual handling course cover?
The course covers manual handling risk awareness, safe lifting and lowering, carrying, pushing and pulling, practical demonstrations, and an assessment of each participant's knowledge and technique. Workplace programmes can be adapted to the loads and tasks your employees actually handle.
Who delivers manual handling training?
Usafety workplace training is delivered by QQI Level 6 Manual Handling Instructors. The Level 6 award applies to the instructor qualification; course participants receive a certificate confirming completion of their employee training.
How long does manual handling training take?
Our scheduled public manual handling course is a practical half-day programme lasting 3.5 hours. The duration of an onsite workplace programme can be tailored to the number and complexity of the handling tasks being taught.
Do you provide on-site manual handling training?
Yes, we provide on-site training at your premises anywhere in Ireland. Our instructors travel to your location with all necessary equipment. We also offer training at our dedicated facility in Ballybane Industrial Estate, Galway.
How often should manual handling training be renewed?
HSA guidance recommends refresher training at intervals of not more than three years, and sooner when there is a major change in the work or equipment used, or when an employee moves to a new work area. Your workplace risk assessment should inform the appropriate timing.
Does manual handling training replace a workplace risk assessment?
No. Training is one part of managing manual handling risk. Employers should first assess relevant tasks and reduce or avoid the risk where possible, then provide task-relevant training and supervision for the risks that remain.
Manual handling training across Ireland
Our QQI Level 6 Manual Handling Instructors deliver training on-site at your premises or at our Galway training facility. Ask us for the next available dates for your location and group.
Request workplace training
Tell us what training your team needs and approximately how many people are attending. We'll reply with suitable dates and a quotation.
- Onsite delivery across Ireland
- Available dates confirmed before booking
- Delivered by QQI Level 6 Manual Handling Instructors