International Manual Handling Day - July 22 | Workplace Safety Celebration

Why Manual Handling Matters

Protect Your Back

Manual handling injuries, particularly to the back, are among the most common workplace injuries. Proper techniques can prevent a lifetime of pain and disability.

Boost Productivity

When workers feel safe and confident in their lifting techniques, productivity increases and absenteeism decreases significantly.

Save Lives

Proper manual handling training and awareness can prevent serious injuries and save lives in workplaces around the world.

The Ten Commandments of Manual Handling

1. Stretch to prepare for the workday
2. Check your route for obstacles, cords, etc.
3. Size up the load, get help if needed
4. Communicate with patient and/or lifting partner
5. Utilize lifting aids available—Maxi-slides, Stedy, etc.
6. Lifting/moving people is different than moving objects
7. Use proper position—spine angle, wide stance
8. Lift with the legs
9. Hold the load as close to the body as possible
10. Avoid twisting—pivot with feet

Manual Handling Statistics & Facts

543,000

Workers suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders

21%

Of workplace injuries directly attributed to manual handling

7.8M

Working days lost due to work-related MSDs annually

€230k

Maximum compensation for severe workplace back injuries

Global Impact

Work-related accidents and injuries cost the European Union €476 billion annually, including healthcare, lost productivity, and compensation claims.

Back Injury Prevalence

Almost half (42%) of musculoskeletal disorder conditions affect employees' backs, making it the most common injury site.

Rising Trend

Work-related ill health and non-fatal injuries are on the rise, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and highlighting the urgent need for better training.

Manual Handling Humor

A little laughter makes safety training more memorable!

Joke #1: The Safety Officer's Wisdom

Q: Why don't safety officers lift heavy jokes?

A: Because it's all about lifting with care!

Joke #2: The Wheelbarrow Challenge

During manual handling training, a strong young man was bragging about his strength and making fun of the safety team. The instructor had enough and said, "I'll bet a week's wages that I can move something in a wheelbarrow that you won't be able to wheel back."

"You're on, old man," the braggart replied.

The instructor grabbed the wheelbarrow and said, "All right. Get in."

Joke #3: Safety Manual's Favorite

Q: What's a safety manual's favorite joke?

A: The one about taking precautions — it's always a safe bet!

Funny manual handling cartoon showing safety instructor with feather while workers struggle with huge boxes

Training vs. Reality

Office worker in full safety gear lifting a computer mouse

Safety First, Always!

🧰 Free HR Toolbox

Download free resources to celebrate Manual Handling Day in your workplace!
All materials feature the official MHD logo - feel free to use it on your own materials too!

📋 Training Materials

Complete training presentation slides, handouts, and assessment forms ready for your workplace.

Download Training Pack

📧 Email Templates

Pre-written emails to announce MHD to your employees and encourage participation.

Download Email Templates

🎨 Poster Templates

Eye-catching posters for workplace display, featuring safety tips and MHD branding.

Download Posters

📱 Social Media Kit

Ready-to-post graphics for LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to spread MHD awareness.

Download Social Kit

✅ Safety Checklists

Comprehensive manual handling risk assessment and safety audit checklists.

Download Checklists

🏆 Certificate Templates

Customizable certificates to recognize employees who complete manual handling training.

Download Certificates

🎯 Activity Planning Guide

Step-by-step guide for organizing engaging MHD events and activities in your workplace.

Download Guide

🎨 MHD Logo Package

High-resolution MHD logo in multiple formats (PNG, JPG, SVG) with usage guidelines.

Download Logo Pack

📢 Use Our Logo Freely!

We encourage all HR departments to use the official MHD logo on their workplace safety materials, training documents, and celebration materials. Help us spread awareness of International Manual Handling Day!

Logo usage is free for workplace safety and educational purposes. See our usage guidelines in the logo package download.

Our Mission Statement

We encourage every employee, regardless of their position or importance in the company, to ask their HR department to celebrate International Manual Handling Day. ALL employees should participate in manual handling training and MHD celebrations. From the CEO to the newest intern, everyone benefits from proper lifting techniques and safety awareness. Make July 22nd a day when your entire organization comes together for workplace safety!

Top 5 Activities to Celebrate MHD

1. Safety Scavenger Hunt

Teams search for safety equipment, proper lifting demonstrations, and identify hazards around the workplace. Great for engagement and learning!

2. "Lift with Your Legs" Competition

Fun lifting technique demonstrations and competitions with proper form judging. Prizes for best technique and safety awareness!

3. Safety Bingo

Employees mark off safety practices they observe or complete throughout the day. First to complete their card wins!

4. Manual Handling Trivia Contest

Quiz about lifting techniques, injury prevention, and workplace safety facts. Test knowledge while having fun!

5. "Pass the Parcel" Team Lifting

Start with a large box requiring team lift, each layer reveals smaller items and safety tips. Combines teamwork with learning!

The History of International Manual Handling Day

International Manual Handling Day began in 2015 at the Arts Council of Ireland when two dedicated employees, Seán MacCarthaigh and Joe Stuart, achieved something remarkable - they both received a perfect score of 100% in their manual handling test on July 22, 2015.

That afternoon, these two men shared a dream that one day, millions of people around the world would celebrate Manual Handling Day, promoting workplace safety and proper lifting techniques globally. Their vision has now become a reality, with organizations worldwide joining the celebration every July 22nd.

Seán MacCarthaigh's Certificate

Seán MacCarthaigh's 100% Manual Handling Certificate from July 22, 2015

Joe Stuart's Certificate

Joe Stuart's 100% Manual Handling Certificate from July 22, 2015

"From a dream shared by two colleagues to a global movement - International Manual Handling Day continues to save lives and prevent injuries worldwide."