Reducing MSDs in the Workplace

In March, the HSE updated its advice around Manual Handling as part of its goal of reducing MSDs in the workplace. This has led to a spate of articles that have focused on the problems associated with a one size fits all, off the shelf approach to training.

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The HSE stated – 

“Research has shown that general training in lifting techniques is an ineffective way of controlling the risks of manual handling in businesses.”

And do you know what – we agree!

Whether a generic unengaging eLearning course or the same old PowerPoint delivered by the same old hand who knows it all, training can miss the mark and be boring too, especially for the person delivering it!

Where this becomes problematic is when “eLearning” is taken to be synonymous with “out of the box” – It is not necessarily the case. Here at VinciWorks, we’re keen that the medium is not mixed with the message.

In a recent article entitled “How To Learn” leading Health & Safety Consultant, Bridget Leathley, described an example of how a blended approach to Manual Handling Training could be adopted. The example below is how she envisaged the optimal learning outcomes:

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A blended approach to reducing MSDs

“On-the-job– at induction Jim is walked around the workplace and shown some simple handling tasks he can do and told which tasks he shouldn’t do until he has more experience. During the first week, his supervisor keeps an eye on him and reminds him when he needs to use the equipment.

After a couple of weeks, Jim goes to a ½ day structured classroom course which explains the principles of muscles and levers and good handling technique, including team lifts. After the course, Jim’s supervisor assesses him on the job for team lifting.

After six months, Jim’s supervisor suggests he sits an e-learning course. This provides a refresher of what he learned before and teaches him about manual handling risk assessment. On successful completion, Jim has an on-the-job discussion with his manager and makes some suggestions for improvements to the workspace that will make handling tasks easier.”

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Editable eLearning & reducing MSDs

If an organization is serious about reducing the incidence of MSDs amongst its workforce, then it needs to take issues like manual handling seriously. Yes, we offer a Manual Handling eLearning Course, but like all of our courses, it is fully editable by the customer using WorkWize Author.

This means you can tailor the eLearning to the specific requirements of your environment, adding images and videos of the workplace giving the course relevance to your employees.

WorkWize can also deploy People Based Risk Assessments and Training Needs Analysis. So, with a little thought and investment, eLearning can form an essential part of the training strategy. Not just around Manual Handling, but areas like Workstation Ergonomics and DSE Assessment, thus playing a pivotal role in reducing MSDs in any working environment.