Manual Handling and Ergonomic Risk Assessment

Programme Summary

Reduce musculoskeletal risks by examining how tasks, loads, environments and work organisation interact. Participants use structured observations to identify awkward postures, excessive force, repetition and unsuitable handling arrangements. Practical cases focus on avoiding or redesigning hazardous work, selecting aids and involving workers, producing improvement plans that address the task itself rather than relying only on lifting technique or individual fitness.

Training Objectives

1 Recognise physical demands and ergonomic risk factors; 2 Assess manual tasks in their working context; 3 Prioritise avoidance redesign and handling aids; 4 Involve workers in practical control selection; 5 Review whether changes reduce exposure effectively.

Learning Outcomes

1 Complete a structured manual task assessment; 2 Identify force posture repetition and handling risks; 3 Select practical redesign or assistance measures; 4 Prepare a clear ergonomic improvement plan; 5 Define checks confirming reduced task exposure.

Target Audience

Safety Officers; HSE Coordinators; Operations Supervisors; Maintenance Supervisors; Facilities Supervisors.

Target Industries

Warehousing; Manufacturing; Construction; Healthcare Support Services; Hospitality; Retail Distribution.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Ergonomic Risk Framework: Task load person environment and organisation; Force posture repetition and recovery; Symptoms reporting and prevention responsibilities.
• Module 2 Observing Manual Tasks: Lifting lowering carrying pushing and pulling; Work pace frequency duration and variability; Worker participation and representative observation.
• Module 3 Structured Risk Assessment: Handling distances reach twist and grip; Load characteristics and environmental constraints; Assessment tool limits and specialist referral.
• Module 4 Avoidance and Task Redesign: Eliminating unnecessary manual movement; Layout height reach and workflow improvements; Reducing force repetition and awkward postures.
• Module 5 Handling Aids and Equipment: Suitability capacity access and maintenance; Training and safe equipment use; New risks introduced by unsuitable aids.
• Module 6 Work Organisation: Staffing pace rotation and recovery opportunities; Realistic limits of rotation and instruction; Individual needs and occupational health interfaces.
• Module 7 Implementation and Review: Consultation trial changes and user feedback; Evidence of reduced exposure and usability; Review after process equipment or staffing changes.
• Module 8 Ergonomic Assessment Workshop: Assessing a supplied manual task case; Selecting redesign and assistance options; Presenting a practical verification plan.

Assessment

• 40 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 60 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (30 minutes): Assess a fictional manual task and propose prioritised redesign, handling aids and work organisation measures with effectiveness checks.
• Assessment criteria: Accurate task based ergonomic assessment; Effective prevention focused control selection; Practical implementation and review measures.
• Pass each component separately: 30/40 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records manual task and ergonomic assessment learning; it does not confer clinical assessment authority or specialist ergonomist certification.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

222

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Basic workplace safety knowledge and familiarity with the tasks being assessed are recommended. No medical qualification is required.Basic workplace safety knowledge and familiarity with the tasks being assessed are recommended. No medical qualification is required.Basic workplace safety knowledge and familiarity with the tasks being assessed are recommended. No medical qualification is required.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a fictional manual task sequence for 25 minutes and identify force, posture, repetition and environmental influences.Review a fictional manual task sequence for 25 minutes and identify force, posture, repetition and environmental influences.Review a fictional manual task sequence for 25 minutes and identify force, posture, repetition and environmental influences.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.