Do you know that poor manual handling skills can lead to far more than just an immediate injury? The consequences can ripple through an organisation, resulting in lost productivity, higher absenteeism, increased insurance premiums, and even potential legal liabilities.
In 2023 alone, ACC reported over 195,000 work-related injury claims, with active claims costing the nation NZ $1 billion! Among these, over 50,000 claims were related to lifting, carrying, and strain injuries. These staggering numbers underscore the often “hidden” costs that businesses across New Zealand face.
While manual handling training isn’t a legal requirement in NZ, organisations have a duty of care to ensure safe working conditions. Protecting your team goes beyond avoiding immediate injury costs—it’s about preventing chronic conditions that can reduce efficiency and morale, impacting the wellbeing and retention of your entire workforce.
The Real Impact
Beyond compliance, investing in safety is about empowering employees to work efficiently and confidently, which can drive performance and productivity across the board. Without the correct manual handling skills, the risk of workplace injuries—and the associated costs—remains high. These injuries don’t just affect individual workers; they can damage team morale, lead to higher compensation claims, and even harm your organisation’s reputation.
Below are some WorkSafe graphed stat’s, showing the number of muscular injuries resulting in more than a week off work – between June 2022 & May 2023. A good proportion of these injuries are undoubtedly preventable.
A Proactive Solution
Implementing effective manual handling training is a proactive way to mitigate these risks. A well-trained workforce is safer, more motivated, and ultimately more productive.
At AIM, our First Move Manual Handling Training has received exceptional feedback, with over 90% of attendees rating it 9 or 10 out of 10.
In just two hours, our trainer will cover practical techniques designed to prevent injuries. By prioritising manual handling training, you’re not only safeguarding your team but also strengthening your organisation’s bottom line.
For more details, check out AIM’s First Move Manual Handling Training and take the first step towards a safer, more efficient workplace.
