Reducing Workplace Injuries: The Importance of Moving & Handling Training

In workplaces across the UK, back injuries remain one of the leading causes of staff absence, particularly in sectors where lifting, supporting, or repositioning people and objects is part of everyday work.

Yet the majority of these injuries are entirely preventable with the right Moving & Handling training.

At Lightning Training Solutions, we’ve seen first-hand how simple, evidence-based handling techniques can drastically reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries while improving confidence and safety across care, healthcare, and manual work environments.

Whether you work in a care home, healthcare setting, or any role involving physical support, understanding how to move and handle safely isn’t just best practice – it’s a legal and professional responsibility.

Our Moving & Handling courses are designed and delivered by experienced trainers who combine real-world expertise with practical demonstrations.

The result is hands-on, interactive learning that empowers staff to protect themselves and those they care for.

With new open courses now available, there’s never been a better time to ensure your team is equipped with the skills and confidence they need to work safely and effectively.

These cost £70 per person (+ VAT) for a 1 day, in-person, practical training course held at The Masonic Hall, 23 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1TQ from 9.15am-4.30pm.

Why Moving & Handling Training Matters

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), handling, lifting, and carrying injuries account for over 18% of all workplace injuries in Great Britain which is second only to slips, trips, and falls.

In the health and social care sector, this figure is even higher, with back and musculoskeletal disorders affecting thousands of workers each year.

These injuries aren’t just painful they lead to long-term absences, staff shortages, and costly compensation claims for employers.

Most importantly, they’re avoidable when employees are properly trained in safe techniques, body mechanics, and risk assessment.

UK Workplace Injury Statistics (HSE 2024)

CategoryKey StatisticSource
Total workplace injuries (2023/24)561,000 workers injuredHSE Labour Force Survey
Handling, lifting & carrying injuries18% of all workplace injuriesHSE 2024 Report
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders473,000 workers affectedHSE 2024 Report
Average days lost per back injury case14.7 daysHSE Statistics 2024
Estimated annual cost to UK employers£10.6 billionHSE Cost to Britain Model
Sources: HSE Annual Statistics 2023/24, HSE Key Figures for Great Britain 2023/24, HSE Work-Related Ill Health and Injury Statistics and HSE Costs to Britain Model

These figures highlight just how vital Moving & Handling training is and not only for legal compliance but for protecting the wellbeing of staff and the safety of those they support.

With the right instruction, workers can recognise risks early, apply proper lifting techniques, and use equipment safely and preventing unnecessary strain and injury.

Common Workplace Manual Handling Risks

Manual handling injuries can happen in almost any working environment and not just in warehouses and factories.

From office staff lifting boxes of paper to care workers repositioning residents, many tasks involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), manual handling accounts for over 30% of all workplace injuries in the UK. Most of these involve strains, sprains, or long-term back problems caused by poor posture or incorrect technique.

Common examples of manual handling risks include:

TaskPotential Risk
Lifting heavy boxes or stockBack strain, muscle tears
Repetitive loading/unloadingShoulder and joint injuries
Moving furniture or equipmentCrush injuries, slips and trips
Assisting patients or residentsBack strain, soft tissue damage

Understanding how injuries occur is the first step in preventing them and why proper training makes such a difference.

The Legal Requirements for Manual Handling Training

Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, all UK employers have a legal duty to protect staff from injury caused by manual handling tasks.

These regulations require employers to:

  • Avoid hazardous manual handling where possible
  • Assess unavoidable manual handling risks
  • Reduce those risks as much as reasonably practicable

This means employers must provide appropriate training, ensure staff understand safe handling techniques, and supply suitable equipment when necessary.

By complying with these regulations, you can not only protect your workforce but also reduce sickness absence and compensation claims related to back injuries.

Our Moving & Handling Courses

At Lightning Training Solutions, we offer two comprehensive courses designed to equip staff with the knowledge and practical skills needed to prevent injuries and work safely.

Both courses are now available as open courses which we deliver here in Yeovil, meaning individuals or small groups can book without being tied to a workplace programme.

These cost £70 per person (+ VAT) for a 1 day, in-person, practical training course held at The Masonic Hall, 23 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1TQ from 9.15am-4.30pm.

1. Manual Handling Training Course

Who is this course for?
Anyone involved in manual handling at work, from lifting objects to moving equipment, in any sector.

Course Objectives:

  • Learn safe manual handling techniques
  • Conduct personal manual handling risk assessments
  • Reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries

Course Content:

  • Anatomy of the spine and common injuries
  • Causes and prevention of back pain
  • Returning safely to work after injury
  • Manual handling legislation
  • Safe lifting and equipment demonstrations
  • Practical handling assessments
  • Evaluation and risk assessment

Course Benefits:

  • Reduce the risk of back injuries
  • Improve staff confidence and competence
  • Protect your workforce and your business

Cost per Course: £360 (maximum 15 people, VAT applies)


2. People Moving & Handling Training Course

Who is this course for?
Designed for anyone involved in moving or supporting people at work, particularly in care and healthcare settings.

Our new open courses are ideal for micro providers, agency carers, and independent healthcare professionals who need flexible, accredited training without the cost of booking a private group session.

These cost £70 per person (+ VAT) for a 1 day, in-person, practical training course held at The Masonic Hall, 23 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1TQ from 9.15am-4.30pm.

Course Objectives:

  • Move people safely with minimal effort
  • Maintain comfort and dignity for patients/residents
  • Apply manual handling legislation to healthcare
  • Understand spinal mechanics and safe techniques
  • Conduct personalised risk assessments
  • Use specialist equipment safely

Course Content:

  • Responsibilities and the law
  • Anatomy of the spine and types of injuries
  • Biomechanics and ergonomics of moving people
  • Safe lifting techniques (L.I.T.E)
  • Risk assessment and planning for patients/residents
  • Equipment demonstrations and practical sessions

Course Benefits:

  • Reduce risk to yourself and those you care for
  • Gain confidence handling patients/residents
  • Meet legal and professional requirements

Cost per Course: £360 (maximum 15 people, VAT applies)

Both courses provide hands-on practice, ensuring attendees can immediately apply safe techniques in the workplace.

Plus very participant receives a free course manual covering all aspects of training and there’s never an additional cost.

Why You Should Book an Open Course with Lightning Training Solutions

When it comes to workplace safety, the right training can make all the difference. At Lightning Training Solutions, we make it easy for individuals and small teams to stay compliant and confident with our open courses, available throughout the year at our fully equipped training venue.

Whether you’re a care worker, facilities manager, or business owner, our Moving & Handling and First Aid courses are designed to suit real working environments and not just in the classroom.

As part of our Moving & Handling People open courses, we now include Basic Life Support (BLS) training. This ensures delegates not only know how to assist individuals safely but also how to respond effectively in a medical emergency including performing CPR, using a defibrillator, and managing unconscious casualties.

This combined approach reflects real-world scenarios faced by care professionals and helps them meet workplace compliance and care standards.

Why Choose Lightning Training Solutions?

FAIB Approved Courses – Every course is accredited, ensuring you meet current UK legislation.
Hands-On Practical Learning – We don’t just talk about safety; we practise it with real-world techniques and equipment.
Experienced Trainers – Learn from qualified instructors with years of hands-on industry experience.
Small Class Sizes – More one-to-one support, better learning outcomes.
Free Course Materials – Take away a full course manual at no extra cost.
Flexible Open Dates – Perfect for individuals or smaller teams needing immediate certification.
Excellent Local Reputation – Trusted by businesses and care providers across Somerset and beyond.

Recap

Every year, thousands of UK workers suffer preventable back and musculoskeletal injuries simply because they haven’t received the right training.

Investing in Moving & Handling training isn’t just about compliance it’s about protecting your people, improving workplace safety, and creating a culture where everyone understands how to work smarter, not harder.

At Lightning Training Solutions, we believe that knowledge saves more than just time and money because it prevents pain, reduces absences, and builds confidence.

Whether you’re booking for yourself or your team, our expert-led open courses provide the skills and understanding you need to lift, move, and assist safely.

Keep an eye out for our new Moving & Handling People & Basic Life Support (BLS) open courses too (you can find the latest dates here)

Lightning Training Solutions Quality First Aid Training Provider