A back to basics approach could help companies reduce the cost of manual handling injuries, say health and safety training specialists ForeFront Training.
They are urging businesses to abandon the old "knees bent, back straight" handling methods and use their pioneering "BASICS" guide.
Failing to do so could result in companies falling foul of new legislation, they warn.
BASICS, devised by ForeFront, stands for:
B - Best Foot Forward. Stand with your feet apart and one foot slightly forward.
A - Assess the load. Tilt or push with your hands to assess the load.
S - Spine. Keep your spine in its natural position.
I - Initiate with the legs. Lift using your legs, not your back.
C - Control. Take your time and keep the load close to the body at all times.
S - Stop twisting! Moving your feet prevents a twist...and the biggest cause of injury.
Dave McDonald, ForeFront's principal consultant says: "Manual handling requirements vary tremendously between industries and we teach by applying the latest techniques to each company's individual working environment.
"Our trainers use practical, on-site examples using the BASICS model, to ensure that participants gain relevant experience in best practice that they can use in their everyday working lives."
Programmes include the special training of an in-house "manual handling champion", ensuring that there is a point of contact for everyone in the workplace.
"In order to avoid fines of up to £20,000 and/or a prison sentence stemming from the new H&S (Offences) Act, which came into force in January 2009, employers need to provide suitable and sufficient training to all staff, for their health, safety and welfare," adds Mr McDonald.
ForeFront says that in the current economic climate, companies may be tempted to bring manual handling training in-house.
Outsourcing manual handling training to a specialist, helps companies to stay on top of legislation and can also help businesses reduce the cost of Lost Time Accidents (LTA). According to ForeFront, manual handling accounts for more than a third of all LTAs at a cost to industry of over £1 billion annually.
For more information contact ForeFront Training on 01472 348800.
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