~3 hours · Qualified instructors · Onsite or Galway
Manual handling refresher
A focused, practical refresher that revisits technique, corrects habit drift and reviews competence. It is delivered by instructors with the relevant QQI Level 6 instructor qualification; employees receive a completion certificate, not a Level 6 award.
HSA: no more than three years or after change · Shift-flexible · Dates by agreement
Since 1995
Workplace safety services for Irish employers
Manual handling
Employee training delivered by appropriately qualified instructors
DSE assessments
Documented onsite and remote workstation assessment options
HSE guidance
HSE guidance says classroom-based training is delivered by HSE instructors where available, or by Usafety
A manual handling refresher reviews the knowledge and practical technique of previously trained staff. The HSA says there is no set legal refresher requirement, but recommends intervals of not more than three years and earlier review when work practices, handling systems or equipment change. This approximately three-hour refresher revisits safe-handling principles, corrects technique drift and accounts for those workplace changes.
What it covers
Focused, practical and task-relevant
- Revisit safe handling principles and biomechanics
- Correct habit drift since the last session
- Re-assess practical lifting and handling technique
- Update on any changes to loads, equipment or process
- Refresh risk assessment and load assessment
- Document attendance and practical review
Duration
~3 hours
HSA guidance
No more than 3 years or after change
Employee record
Completion certificate
When to book a refresher
Follow the HSA recommendation of intervals not more than three years, and review refresher needs sooner after changes to loads, equipment, tasks or work processes, after an incident or near miss, or when observation shows that knowledge or technique needs attention. Follow any applicable sector, company or insurer policy. If staff have never completed suitable training, start with the full initial course instead.
Not sure which you need? Send us your training records when you request a quote and we'll advise.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How often is a manual handling refresher needed?
The HSA says there is no set legal requirement, but recommends refresher training at intervals of not more than three years and sooner when work practices, handling systems or equipment change. Employers should also use risk assessment, supervision and observed competence to decide the scope and timing, while following any additional sector or company policy.
How long does a manual handling refresher take?
A standard manual handling refresher takes approximately 3 hours — shorter than the full initial course because participants already hold the underlying knowledge. It revisits technique, corrects drift in habits, updates on any changes, and re-assesses practical competence.
Do I need a full course or just a refresher?
A refresher may suit staff who have completed suitable prior training and need their knowledge and practical technique reviewed. Staff who have not completed suitable training, or whose role and risks have changed substantially, may need the full course. We can review your records, task risks and workplace changes when you get in touch.
Does the refresher give employees a QQI Level 6 award?
No. The QQI Level 6 award is the relevant instructor qualification, not the employee refresher award. Usafety refresher training is delivered by appropriately qualified instructors and employee attendees receive a completion certificate.
Can you deliver refreshers on site across multiple shifts?
Yes. We can deliver refreshers on site across day, late and night shifts. Available dates depend on location, group size, shift pattern and instructor availability.
Book a manual handling refresher
Tell us how many staff need refreshing and your shift pattern. We'll come back with a quotation and available dates.
- Quotation + dates within 4 working hours
- Onsite, shift-flexible delivery
- We'll advise refresher vs full course from your records