Manual handling is a shared responsibility. Your employer must assess the risks and provide training - but as an employee in Ireland you also have clear duties. This guide explains what is expected of you as a worker, in plain language.
Playing your part keeps you safe and helps build a workplace where everyone gets home uninjured.
Key takeaways
- Use the safe techniques and training you have been given.
- Follow the safe systems of work and risk assessments in place.
- Report damaged equipment, blocked routes and loads that are too heavy.
- Report strains and injuries early, before they get worse.
- Never take shortcuts that put you or colleagues at risk.
Use your training
Apply the safe techniques you have learned and complete any training your employer provides. If you have not been trained for a handling task, say so before you attempt it. If you need certification, start with our Manual Handling Course.
Follow safe systems
Use the equipment, routes and procedures set out in your employer's safe systems of work and risk assessments. They exist because the risks have already been assessed for your tasks.
Ready to get certified? Complete the Manual Handling Course Online Ireland online in about 45 minutes and download your Manual Handling Certificate the moment you pass.
Report risks and injuries
Tell your supervisor about damaged equipment, blocked routes, loads that feel too heavy, or any strain or injury. Early reporting stops small problems becoming serious ones.
Look after yourself and others
Do not take shortcuts that put you or colleagues at risk, and support team lifts properly. For the day-to-day moves, read safe lifting techniques.
What this online course does and does not replace
This online course supports awareness and understanding of safe manual handling principles, correct lifting technique, common hazards and your responsibilities at work. You finish with a recognised Manual Handling Certificate you can show an employer.
Employers may still need to provide task-specific training, supervision and a written manual handling risk assessment for the actual loads and tasks in your workplace. Workers should always follow their employer's procedures, on-site manual handling assessments and internal safety rules. This course does not automatically replace workplace-specific training or practical instruction where these are required by the role.
Frequently asked questions
Do employees have manual handling duties?
Yes - to use their training and safe systems of work, follow procedures, and report risks and injuries.
What if I have not been trained?
Tell your employer before attempting the task - they must provide suitable training.
Should I report a minor strain?
Yes, early reporting helps prevent a minor strain becoming a serious injury and improves the workplace for everyone.
Can I get my own certificate?
Yes, you can complete the online Manual Handling Course and keep your own certificate.
Related Manual Handling guides
- Manual Handling: An Employer's Responsibilities in Ireland
- Safe Lifting Techniques Every Employee Should Use
- Correct Lifting Technique: The Safe-Lift Sequence Step by Step
- Manual Handling Course Online Ireland: Certify in 45 Minutes
Start your Manual Handling Training today
Join the workers across Ireland who train with Manual Handling Course. Get your Manual Handling Certificate online from any device, or train your whole team with bulk certificates and central tracking.
