The LICQual Level 1 Award in Manual Handling at Work is a foundational training course designed to equip individuals with essential knowledge and skills to carry out manual handling tasks safely and effectively. Whether in warehouses, offices, healthcare settings, or industrial sites, manual handling remains one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. This internationally recognized qualification helps reduce those risks by promoting best practices and awareness of proper manual handling techniques.
This course introduces learners to the basic principles of manual handling, including the anatomy of the spine, risk factors associated with lifting and moving loads, and the importance of proper posture and body mechanics. Through practical guidance and real-world scenarios, participants will learn how to assess manual handling risks and apply safe methods to reduce strain and prevent injury. The training also covers the legal responsibilities of both employers and employees in ensuring a safe manual handling environment.
LICQual Level 1 Award in Manual Handling at Work ideal for new employees, frontline staff, and those with manual handling duties in their day-to-day roles, this course sets the foundation for a safer workplace. It supports organizations in meeting occupational health and safety regulations, improving staff confidence, and reducing accident-related costs. The LICQual Level 1 Award in Manual Handling at Work ensures that both individuals and employers are aligned with global safety standards while fostering a culture of injury prevention and proactive safety awareness.
The LICQual Level 1 Award in Manual Handling at Work provides a practical understanding of how to carry out manual tasks safely, helping learners recognize potential hazards in everyday lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying activities. The LICQual Level 1 Award in Manual Handling at Work course is designed to build awareness around how improper manual handling can lead to musculoskeletal injuries and long-term health issues if not managed correctly.
Through clear instruction and relatable workplace examples, learners explore simple risk reduction techniques that can be applied across various industries. The training introduces learners to risk assessment processes, emphasizing how to identify, evaluate, and control risks in routine manual handling situations. The course does not require prior knowledge and is accessible for individuals at all experience levels, making it ideal for onboarding or refresher training.
This qualification supports both individual development and organizational health and safety goals. It helps employers meet legal obligations while encouraging staff to take responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues. By completing this course, participants contribute to a culture of safe working practices, reduced injury rates, and increased productivity across the workforce.
The LICQual Level 1 Award in Manual Handling at Work qualification consists of 6 mandatory units required for completion.
Mandatory Units
| Unit# | Unit Title |
| 1 | Introduction to Manual Handling and Workplace Safety |
| 2 | Understanding Manual Handling Hazards and Risks |
| 3 | Principles of Safe Manual Handling |
| 4 | Techniques for Lifting, Carrying, and Lowering Objects Safely |
| 5 | Reducing the Risk of Injury During Manual Handling Tasks |
| 6 | The Role of Manual Handling in Occupational Health and Wellbeing |
The LICQual Level 1 Award in Manual Handling at Work is ideal for individuals across various industries who are involved in manual tasks as part of their daily work responsibilities. This course is suitable for:
- New employees and entry-level staff who require basic manual handling awareness as part of their job induction or health and safety training.
- Warehouse and logistics workers who frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects in a fast-paced environment.
- Healthcare and care sector staff who handle patients, equipment, or medical supplies as part of their duties.
- Retail and stockroom employees involved in unpacking, stocking shelves, and moving merchandise.
- Cleaning and maintenance personnel who often move tools, equipment, and supplies during routine work.
- Construction and manufacturing workers dealing with raw materials, tools, and machinery handling.
- Employers and safety officers seeking to ensure compliance with manual handling safety regulations and reduce workplace injuries.
- Individuals seeking to build workplace safety awareness or enhance their employability with a recognized safety credential.
Upon completing this Course students will be able to:
Introduction to Manual Handling and Workplace Safety
Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the importance of manual handling in maintaining workplace safety.
- Recognize the legal requirements and regulations regarding manual handling in the workplace.
- Identify the responsibilities of both employers and employees in ensuring safe manual handling practices.
- Explain the potential risks and injuries related to improper manual handling and their impact on workplace safety.
Understanding Manual Handling Hazards and Risks
Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify common hazards associated with manual handling tasks.
- Assess and evaluate the risks posed by manual handling in different work environments.
- Understand how environmental factors, such as layout and equipment, contribute to manual handling risks.
- Recognize unsafe practices and the potential consequences of these risks on health and safety.
Principles of Safe Manual Handling
Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of safe manual handling, including proper posture and body mechanics.
- Apply these principles to improve safety and efficiency when lifting, carrying, and moving objects.
- Understand the importance of proper alignment and body movement to prevent strain and injury.
- Evaluate the risks of manual handling tasks and apply the appropriate safety techniques.
Techniques for Lifting, Carrying, and Lowering Objects Safely
Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe lifting, carrying, and lowering techniques for objects of various shapes and sizes.
- Understand and apply the proper body mechanics for different manual handling scenarios.
- Identify when to use lifting aids, trolleys, or team lifting to prevent injury.
- Safely move objects in a way that reduces physical strain and injury risk.
Reducing the Risk of Injury During Manual Handling Tasks
Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify strategies to reduce injury risks during manual handling tasks, such as pre-task assessments and using ergonomic practices.
- Implement environmental changes, such as adjusting workspace layout, to minimize strain during manual handling.
- Recognize the importance of training, proper equipment, and breaks in preventing injuries.
- Take proactive steps to ensure safe manual handling practices are followed in the workplace.
The Role of Manual Handling in Occupational Health and Wellbeing
Upon completing this unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand the long-term impact of manual handling on employees’ physical health and well-being.
- Recognize the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular breaks to support safe manual handling practices.
- Explain how proper manual handling contributes to the overall occupational health culture.
- Promote safe manual handling practices to improve employee well-being and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
