When it comes to manual handling, most people think about technique –
… how to lift
… how to carry
… how to avoid injury.
But there’s another piece of the puzzle that’s just as important:
Habit
This article has been adapted from insights provided by Alison Richmond of Provention, creator of First Move Training, which is delivered in Northland by AIM.
It’s Not What We Know – It’s What We Do Automatically
In a training session, people can demonstrate the “correct” way to lift or move. But in the real world – when time is tight, workloads are high, or fatigue sets in – we don’t stop and think about technique. We fall back on what feels natural.
That’s because our brains are wired to create habits – patterns of movement that become automatic over time.
Why Habits Matter for Injury Prevention
From a neuroscience perspective, habits form through repetition. The more we repeat a movement, the more our brain recognises it as the “default” option.
That’s why poor movement patterns stick – even when we know a better way. And it’s also why simply telling people to “lift with your legs” isn’t enough.
To truly reduce injury risk, we need to help people:
- Build awareness of how they move
- Practice better movement patterns
- Repeat them until they become automatic
Safe Movement Needs to Be the Default
Manual handling isn’t just about one-off lifts – it’s about how we move throughout the day.
Reaching, twisting, carrying, sitting, getting in and out of vehicles – it all adds up.
When safe, efficient movement becomes a habit, people are:
- Less likely to strain or overload their body
- More confident in their movements
- Better able to cope with physical demands at work
Small Changes, Big Impact
The good news is that habits can be changed. Small, consistent adjustments – repeated over time – can lead to lasting improvements.
That might include:
- Adjusting posture
- Using better positioning
- Slowing down and being more aware of movement
- Taking moments to reset during the day
How AIM Can Help Your Workplace
At AIM, our experts focus on practical, real-world strategies that go beyond theory.
First Move Manual Handling training supports people to:
- Understand their own movement patterns
- Build safer, more efficient habits
- Apply these skills into their actual work tasks
When movement improves, so does confidence, comfort, and overall wellbeing.
