Manual Handling and People Handling training overview (2024)

It is a statutory requirement that all employees attend manual handling training relevant to their role, work activities and work environment.

Types of training

If you handle objects, but not people, you must complete Inanimate Manual Handling (MH) training.

If you handle objects and people, you must complete People Moving and Handling (PMH) training.

Manual Handling and People Handling policy (PDF, 1331KB, 35 Pages)

What the training involves

You must complete a theory and practical module for both forms of training.

Part 1 theory module

The theory module is mandatory for all employees. It provides you with information on how to safely carry out manual handling and people handling tasks.

The theory module should be completed on HSELanD where possible. Where this is not possible, it will be delivered by a trainer as classroom-based training.

If completing the theory module on HSELanD, you must complete it no more than 6 weeks before attending the practical module. The theory module should only be done when a date has been set for the practical module.

Part 2 practical module

The practical module is classroom-based. If you do not have access to a workstation, liaise with your manager to identify alternative options such as access to a workstation elsewhere in your service or site.

The practical module reinforces the knowledge gained from the theory module. It provides employees with the knowledge and skills to safely carry out manual handling and people handling tasks relevant to their work activities.

You must bring your HSELanD theory module certificate to the practical training. This can be in print or a screenshot. You must show this to the instructor on the day of the practical training. If you do not have the certificate, or it is not dated within 6 weeks of the practical module, you cannot take part in the practical training.

You should dress for the training according to your uniform policy, for example, tracksuit, loose trousers, flat shoes.

Inanimate Manual Handling practical training

People Moving and Handling practical training

Undertaking repeat Manual Handling and People Manual Handling training

You must undertake repeat training:

every 3 years
when there is any major change in working practices or equipment
when transferred to an activity requiring different loads to be handled

3 yearly intervals start from the date of completion of the HSELanD theory module.

Classroom-based training

Booking classroom-based training

Manager responsibilities

You must keep appropriate records of statutory occupational safety and health training. A copy of the attendance sheet with the employee signature must also be kept on file.

When attending the practical training, you should ensure your staff are aware of:

workplace manual handling and people handling risk assessments
Manual Handling and People Handling policy (2018)
national or local policies, procedures or guidelines relating to MH or PMH which are relevant to their area of work (for example, HSE bariatric guidelines, falls strategy, infection control, hoist management)

Guidance for HSE manual handling instructors

The manual handling and people handling module share centre on HSELanD has information on coordination and delivery of manual handling training. Contact the health and safety helpdesk for further information on how to access this share hub or on becoming a manual handling instructor in the HSE.