Manual Handling Courses in Devon
Explore our one-day manual handling courses for businesses, care providers and healthcare teams. Practical, workplace-focused training delivered across Devon and the South West.
WORKPLACE & HEALTHCARE TRAINING
Practical Manual Handling Courses
Manual handling is part of everyday work across many industries, from lifting stock and moving equipment to assisting people with mobility and transfers.
Optimal First Aid offers two practical, one-day courses: Principles and Practice of Manual Handling for handling objects and equipment, and Safer Moving & Handling of People for health and social care environments.
Both courses combine essential knowledge with supervised practical exercises, helping learners understand workplace risks and apply safer handling techniques. Training is available for private groups across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the wider South West.
EXPLORE OUR COURSES
Choose Your Manual Handling Course
Two one-day courses designed for different working environments. Select the course that reflects the tasks your team carries out.
Principles and Practice of Manual Handling
For employees who lift, carry, push, pull or move objects and equipment at work.
- Manual handling legislation and responsibilities
- Common injuries and workplace risk factors
- Manual handling risk assessment
- Safer lifting and carrying techniques
- Pushing, pulling and handling aids
- Supervised practical handling exercises
Safer Moving & Handling of People
For care and healthcare staff who support people with mobility, repositioning and transfers.
- Legal duties and safer handling principles
- Person-centred risk assessment
- Communication, consent and dignity
- Supporting mobility and safer transfers
- Handling equipment and safety checks
- Supervised practical handling exercises
WORKPLACE TRAINING
Who Needs Manual Handling Training?
Manual handling training is relevant wherever work involves moving loads or assisting people.
The appropriate training should reflect the actual handling tasks, risks, equipment and working environment.
Suitable Sectors
- Warehousing and logistics
- Manufacturing and engineering
- Construction and maintenance
- Retail and hospitality
- Schools and education settings
- Care homes and supported living
- Domiciliary care services
- Healthcare and clinical environments
TRAINING AT YOUR PREMISES
On-Site Manual Handling Training
We deliver manual handling training at suitable workplaces and care settings, reducing the need for staff to travel to an external venue.
Practical exercises can be planned around relevant workplace tasks, available equipment and the needs of your team.
Request a Group Quote →Benefits of Group Training
- One-day practical courses
- Delivered at suitable premises
- Flexible dates for organisations
- Workplace-relevant exercises
- Training for objects or people handling
- Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the South West
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Training for Real Working Environments
Understanding manual handling risks is important, but staff also need opportunities to practise safer techniques and discuss the challenges they encounter at work.
Our courses combine clear instruction, risk assessment principles and supervised practical activities. Training is designed to support safer working practices rather than simply provide a certificate.
Learners who successfully complete the course receive an Optimal First Aid certificate of training.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Manual Handling Training FAQs
What manual handling courses do you offer?
We offer Principles and Practice of Manual Handling for moving objects and equipment, and Safer Moving and Handling of People for health and social care settings.
How long are the courses?
Both courses are delivered over one day and include theory and practical training.
Is manual handling training a legal requirement?
Employers must assess manual handling risks and provide appropriate information, instruction and training where necessary. The law does not require every employee to complete a particular named course.
Do the courses include practical exercises?
Yes. Both courses include supervised practical activities relevant to their subject and the training environment.
What is the difference between the two courses?
Principles and Practice of Manual Handling focuses on objects and equipment. Moving and Handling of People focuses on supporting individuals with mobility, repositioning and transfers.
Does the people handling course include hoists?
The course can cover relevant handling equipment and safety principles. Practical hoist and sling training must be agreed in advance and requires suitable equipment, appropriate instruction and workplace-specific assessment.
Can training be delivered at our premises?
Yes. We deliver private group training at suitable workplaces and care settings across Devon and the South West.
Will learners receive a certificate?
Yes. Learners who successfully complete the course receive an Optimal First Aid certificate of training. These courses are not advertised as Ofqual-regulated qualifications.
How often should manual handling training be refreshed?
There is no universal statutory refresher interval. Employers should review training when risks, equipment, tasks or staff needs change and arrange refreshers where appropriate.
Does training replace a manual handling risk assessment?
No. Training supports safer working practices but does not replace the employer's duty to assess risks and implement suitable control measures.
MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING IN DEVON
Arrange Manual Handling Training for Your Team
Looking for practical manual handling training at your premises? We deliver one-day group courses for businesses, care providers and healthcare teams across Devon and the South West.
Practical training. Experienced instructors. Safer working practices.
Optimal First Aid, Kingdom Business Centre, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 4PB
Enquire About Training →First Aid Training To Build Real Confidence
First Aid training with Optimal First Aid focuses on learning and practising essential lifesaving skills properly. Simple interventions and basic treatments are proven to save lives when delivered with confidence.
We equip every learner with the knowledge, practical ability, and confidence to respond effectively in real emergencies.
Regular open courses are held at our training venue in Newton Abbot, Devon.
All courses include training in life-threatening bleeding control and AED use as standard content whilst meeting HSE Requirements.
ON-SITE GROUP TRAINING
Arrange First Aid Training for Your Team
Looking for first aid training for your business, school or organisation? Tell us your location, course requirements and approximate number of learners. We'll recommend a suitable training option and provide a group quotation.
Request a Group Training Quote
Contact Us
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Our friendly team is available Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm.
