Training should not be seen as a risk control strategy on its own - it supports other control strategies. However, training is essential if manual handling risks cannot be eliminated.
Under the OHS Regulation 2001, an employer must ensure that each new worker receives induction training that covers the following:
- arrangements for managing OHS, including reporting hazards to management;
- workplace health and safety procedures relevant to the worker, including the use and maintenance of risk control measures;
- how workers can access health and safety information that the employer is required to make available.
Employers must ensure that any person who may be exposed to a risk to health and safety:
- is informed of the risk
- is provided with any information, instruction and training necessary to ensure the person's health and safety.
The information, instruction and training (and the timing of that training) must also be commensurate with the risk to health and safety concerned.
The National Standard for Manual Handling [NOHSC:1001 (1990)] and the National Code of Practice: Manual Handling [NOHSC:2005 (1990)] are guidance materials and are published by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC). These documents are available from NOHSC or the Commonwealth Government Bookshop.
There are also two types of training mentioned in the National Code of Practice: Manual Handling - general training and particular training.