Bringing Moving And Handling Training Up To Date With RoSPA

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has brought its moving and handling training up to date with the introduction of an electronic device that helps trainees adopt – and keep – good manual handling habits.

The movement tracking device is worn on a belt and monitors the wearer’s movement and posture, picking up on movements such as stooping which are known to be a risk factor in back injury. The technology can be tailored to individual needs and has built-in activation thresholds which vibrate and make a sound to alert the wearer to their risky behaviour, gradually conditioning employees to make changes to their handling routines.

RoSPA is introducing the device into all its manual handling and safer people handling training courses, with the first session having taken place this week in its purpose-built training facility in Birmingham.

It is hoped that the moving and tracking system will bring a new dimension to moving and handling training, enabling delegates to take control of their own learning and correct mistakes in posture and movement when they are out of view of the trainer.

Manual handling is responsible for more than a third of all workplace injuries, many of which can have painful and long-lasting consequences.

Rob Burgon, RoSPA’s workplace safety manager, said: “We are very excited about this new addition to our manual handling and safer people handling training and hope that it will bring a new dimension to our extremely popular training courses.

“Back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders are responsible for a huge number of injuries in the UK each year, and are common across the whole spectrum of workplaces and industries. As well employers having to cope with lost production and the costs of supporting employees through sickness, employees themselves who are suffering from back injuries may find that their ability to do their job is affected and that there is a negative impact on their lifestyle.

“Ensuring that people are equipped with the skills and the inclination to lift and handle safely is essential for the health and wellbeing of employees, employers and wider society.”

Delegates on RoSPA’s manual handling and safer people handling training courses are invited to take advantage of a special offer on purchases of the moving and handling device for use in their own workplaces. To find out more about the device, or to book a place on our training courses, call 0121 248 2233 or visit:
www.rospa.com/occupationalsafety/training/manualhandling/movement-device.aspx.