Manual Handling

Manual Handling & Ergonomics

The relevance of these topics is to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. Both the Health and Safety Authority & the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work cite MSDs as one of the most common issues of workplace ill-health. They account for the major proportion of days of work lost through absence but possibly even more relevant is the effect of the pain associated with MSDs on workplace performance. Working with persistent pain is not going to get the best from your employees. Providing a workplace that reduces the likelihood of MSDs and promote good physical health will help your company get the most out of your team. Check out the ways in which we can help your team below:

Manual Handling Training

Course Content:

Knowledge base 
Musculoskeletal ill-health & manual handling at work Legislation, employer & employee duties Ergonomics and handling Risk assessment Safe manual handling principles
Hands-on Learning 
Bringing principles to life Lifting and carrying loads alone Lifting with help from colleagues Pushing and pulling loads 
Workplace Specific Manual Handling
Application of principles at work Use of equipment provided. 

Course Criteria

Duration 3 hours blended online learning
Number of Participants: 10 per instructor
Certification: HealthCo certificate
Eligibility: The course is delivered in English & involves practical elements.
Assessment: Multiple Choice Questions
People Handling Training

Course Content:

Knowledge base 
Musculoskeletal ill-health & manual handling at work Legislation, employer & employee duties Ergonomics and handling Risk assessment Safe manual handling principles 
Hands-on Learning 
Bringing principles to life Lifting and carrying loads alone Lifting with help from colleagues Pushing and pulling loads 
Workplace Specific Manual Handling 
Application of principles at work Use of equipment provided 
Moving People in Care Transferring people 
Assisting to stand & sit Assisting to walk Using walking & standing aids Hoisting transfers Sliding transfers 
Re-positioning people 
Using motorised beds Turning the person Using slide sheets & Wendy Letts Assisting the person sit up and out of bed Repositioning the person in a chair 

Course Criteria

Duration 3-7 hours depending on workplace
Number of Participants: 10 per instructor
Certification: HealthCo certificate
Eligibility: The course is delivered in English & involves practical elements.
Assessment: Multiple Choice Questions
Theatre Handling Training

Course Content:

Theatre involves not only complex surgery but also at times complex moving of the patient within a unique working environment. We have designed this course to address the particular handling tasks associated with working in theatre.

Content: Manual handling related injuries in the workplace Legislation, employer & employee duties Risk assessment Safe manual handling principles Ergonomics and handling Exercise & musculoskeletal injuries Practical manual handling techniques Object handling, surgical kits, manoeuvring microscopes waste bins etc People Handling Assisting patient from wheelchair to operating table using a gait belt Assisting patient onto trolley using a slide sheet Moving the patient to the centre of the bed – bridging Turning the patient on the operating table Sitting the patient forwards on the operating table Trolley transfer using rollerboard or pat-slide Positioning patient supine to prone using pro-turner Positioning patient prone to supine using slide sheets & tilt table Positioning patient from supine to lithotomy using slide sheets Lifting supporting patients head neck, shoulders or limbs Cervical log roll Falling and Fallen patients

Course Criteria

Duration 3-7 hours depending on workplace
Number of Participants: 10 per instructor
Certification: HealthCo certificate
Eligibility: The course is delivered in English & involves practical elements.
Assessment: Multiple Choice Questions
Hoist workshops

Course Details:

Moving and transferring people who are being cared for either at home or in a facility can be a hazardous task. Doing so without the use of equipment can put your care staff at risk of injury, increasing time off, litigation & insurance costs. Hoists and handling aids can decrease the risk of injury significantly and nowadays there are plenty of options.
The aim of this course is to equip your staff with the know-how and competencies in order to use hoists for safe care activities.

Course Content:

  • When to consider using a hoist or stand aid?
  • Which hoist is suitable for the task?
  • Sling options and choosing the correct sling for the person in care.
  • Practice using stand aids – RoMedic ReTurn, Arjo Sara Steady etc.
  • Practice using stand hoists – RoMedic Quick Rasier, Invacare Reliant etc.
  • Practice using full lift hoists – Novacare prolift, Arjo Maxi move etc.
  • Practice using ceiling mounted hoists
  • Emergency lowering functions
  • At the end of the programme the tutor submits a report sheet (attached) to the organisation detailing what was completed during each programme.

Duration: up to 2 hours is recommended

Participants: 12 per instructor

DSE/VDU Assessments

Course Details

DSE/VDU Ergonomic Assessments Display screen equipment (DSE) and Video Display Units (VDU) are now widely used in all workplaces and can often be a contributing factor to back injury, eye strain and repetitive strain injury. It is now widely recognised that while accidents and ill health have costs, effective workplace ergonomic management actually contributes to business success. DSE/VDU Ergonomic Risk Assessments from HealthCo will assess all of your workstations and work environment for potential hazards and identify controls to reduce your level of risk. We deliver cost effective, practical services to our clients nationwide. DSE/VDU assessments can be provided for clients in smaller numbers right up to large, managed programme solutions for bigger multisite organisations.

Course Content:

HealthCo DSE/VDU Assessment Process We have qualified ergonomic consultants who will visit your office and provide an extensive, personal VDU/DSE service. Each workstation is individually assessed to take into account the hazards in the work location. Items examined: Workstation Design– monitor, keyboard and mouse Workplace Layout– desktop and positioning Lighting Levels– in the work area Work Routine– rest and work periods Correct Posture– how we sit, stand and move Environmental influence – Temperature, Noise & Airflow A full report is then compiled noting what was assessed & making recommendations to bring your business in line with current legislation and VDU/DSE regulations. Typical work environments requiring DSE/VDU Assessments: -Banking & Accounting -Design Engineering -Public Servants -Healthcare Administrative & Clerical -Computer Programming
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