Manual Handling Training Frequency
A common question from employers booking manual handling training: how often does it have to be refreshed? Here is the Irish answer.
There is no fixed statutory interval for manual handling refresher training in Ireland. Employers are required to provide appropriate training and ensure that it is kept up to date, taking account of the risks associated with the work. A three-year refresher interval is widely used as good practice, but refresher training may be needed sooner where there are changes to tasks, loads, equipment, working methods, or an employee’s role, or where a training need is identified. Health and Safety Authority (HSA) – Managing Health and Safety
What the regulation says
Under Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the General Application Regulations 2007, where hazardous manual handling cannot be avoided, employers must assess the risk and provide employees with training and information. The Regulations require training to be adequate and current. They do not set a numeric interval, which is why it is risk-based.
- 01
Regulation requirements
Employers must provide adequate and current manual handling training where hazardous manual handling cannot be avoided.
- 02
Refresher training
Visual inspections should be carried out by a trained person, either weekly or monthly, according to your risk assessment.
- 03
Change in circumstances
Refresh sooner if tasks, loads, equipment or the individual's role change.
- 04
Risk assessment
Training should be based on workplace risks and kept up to date.
So when should you refresh?
Roughly every 3 years as a baseline (common industry best practice). Sooner if the tasks, loads, equipment or environment change. Sooner for new staff, or after an injury or near-miss involving handling. Book or arrange refresher training: see our Manual Handling Training course.
Book training or talk to our team
Pat O Brien Safety Ltd is an Irish health & safety one-stop shop training, services and equipment led by Technical Director Pat O Brien with 30 years' experience. We deliver courses in-house and online across Dublin and Leinster and supply safety equipment nationwide.
Tell us your task, site or sector and we will recommend the right course, inspection or equipment.