HLTWHS005 - Conduct manual tasks safely


In every workplace, workers are exposed to day-to-day activities that involve some form of manual handling, with varying degrees of risk. These tasks are a common cause of workplace injury, making it essential to understand how to perform them safely. Without proper manual handling training, mistakes can occur, potentially leading to serious injuries, especially when working around hazardous substances or activities.

This course equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to recognise potentially hazardous manual tasks, identify the sources of risk, and understand the relevant risk factors. You will learn how to prepare for and apply control measures, ensuring you can complete these tasks using safe manual handling techniques that support best work practices.

Additionally, the course covers the function of the body in movement, the importance of posture and positioning, and how to recognise and report symptoms of injury.

This unit of competency aligns with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards, and industry codes of practice, including the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice.

Units Delivered

The following units will be included in your certificate:

HLTWHS005 - Conduct manual tasks safely

Course Delivery

This course can be delivered/assessed in the workplace or at facility organised by the training provider.

Course Durations

Course durations can vary for multiple reasons, so the durations below are the minimum possible amount.

Refresher Face to Face contact time of at least 2 Hours
Blended Face to Face contact time of at least 3 Hours
Face-to-Face Face to Face contact time of at least 4 Hours
Online with face-to-face assessment Face to Face contact time of at least 40 Mins

Participants must have the physical capacity to use appropriate equipment, posture and handling techniques to conduct a manual move and/or lift.

Pre-course study: Students may be required to undertake online pre-course work prior to attending the face to face session depending on the course delivery mode.

Online study: Students must have access to a computer, smartphone, tablet or other electronic device with access to the internet to complete the online/ pre-course studies.

Individuals undertaking this course will be expected to complete both written and practical assessment tasks.

This certificate does not require renewal

Please note that enrolment to this course is made with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909. Please refer to the student handbook located on the RTO website allenstraining.com.au (https://allenstraining.com.au/students/student-handbook) for all details relating to rights and responsibilities including complaints and appeals.

Performance tasks and Practical scenarios: 

  • Manual Handling Task: Horizontal movement (based on the student’s workplace environment and/or job role)
  • Manual Handling Task: High to low movement (based on the student’s workplace environment and/or job role)
  • Manual Handling Task: Low to high movement (based on the student’s workplace environment and/or job role)

Documentation – Completion of a Risk Assessment form and an Incident Report Form.

Theory assessment  A written assessment consisting of multiple-choice and short answer questions. 

This course is delivered and assessed on behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909

Frequently Asked Questions