Course Overview
Moving and handling people safely is one of the most important skills in healthcare. This practical, hands-on course teaches safe techniques for assisting people to move, use of handling equipment, and risk assessment to protect both staff and patients from injury.
Musculoskeletal disorders from poor manual handling are the leading cause of sickness absence in healthcare. This course provides the knowledge and skills to move patients safely, maintain dignity, and prevent back injuries that could end your career.
Through a combination of theory and extensive practical sessions, participants learn safe handling principles, how to assess risk, use equipment correctly, and work as part of a team to move people safely.
What You'll Learn
- Legal responsibilities under Manual Handling Operations Regulations
- Anatomy and physiology of the spine and musculoskeletal system
- Principles of safe moving and handling
- Individual risk assessment for moving and handling tasks
- Safe manual handling techniques and correct posture
- Using slide sheets, transfer boards, and turning aids
- Safe use of hoists and slings - types, selection, and application
- Standing and raising aids
- Moving people up the bed and repositioning
- Lateral transfers and bed-to-chair transfers
- Working as a team and communication during transfers
- Promoting patient independence and dignity
Course Content & Format
Theory Session (45-60 minutes)
- Legislation and employer/employee responsibilities
- The spine - anatomy and common injuries
- Risk factors and risk assessment
- Principles of safe moving and handling
- Types of equipment and when to use them
Practical Sessions (2-2.5 hours)
- Hands-on practice with slide sheets and handling aids
- Hoist operation - mobile and ceiling hoists
- Sling selection and application
- Repositioning techniques in bed
- Bed-to-chair and chair-to-bed transfers
- Safe use of standing aids
- Team handling techniques
- Problem-solving common scenarios
Assessment & Certification (30 minutes)
Practical competency assessment and written knowledge check. Certificate issued on successful completion, valid for 12 months.
🏥 Equipment Provided
We bring all training equipment to your premises:
- Profiling beds and adjustable height beds
- Mobile hoists and ceiling track hoists
- Variety of slings (general purpose, toileting, standing)
- Slide sheets, glide sheets, and handling slings
- Transfer boards and banana boards
- Standing aids and raising aids
- Positioning equipment
Who Should Attend?
- Healthcare assistants and support workers
- Registered nurses and nursing students
- Residential and nursing home staff
- Domiciliary care workers
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy staff
- Anyone who assists people to move as part of their role
⚠️ Important Information
- Physical Requirements: This is a practical course requiring participants to kneel, bend, and practice handling techniques
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for practical activity. Flat, closed-toe shoes required
- Venue Requirements: Large room with space for beds and equipment (minimum 30m²)
- Group Size: Maximum 12 participants for effective practical training
- Annual Refresher: Required every 12 months to maintain competency
Certification
On successful completion of the practical assessment and knowledge check, participants receive a Safe2Care Moving and Handling of People certificate, valid for 12 months.
Certificates meet Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) requirements for mandatory moving and handling training.
Delivery Options
On-site at your premises: We bring all equipment to your workplace and deliver training to your staff. This is the most cost-effective option for groups and allows training using your actual work environment.
At our training centre: Located in Northern Ireland with dedicated training facilities including profiling beds, hoists, and full range of handling equipment.
Group bookings: Most cost-effective for organizations. Contact us for group pricing for 6-12 participants.