The effect of manual handling training on achieving training transfer, employee's behaviour change and subsequent reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of manual handling training on achieving training transfer, leading to a positive change in employee's manual handling behaviour and a reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) following training. Six electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials or cohort studies with a control and/or comparison group that investigated the effectiveness of manual handling training. Thirteen articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following quality assessment, nine of the included articles were found to be of high quality. This systematic review suggests that there has been very little research focusing on the effectiveness of manual handling training on training transfer to employees and the associated behavioural change. This review indicates that whilst employees report understanding and awareness following training, this does not always lead to the expected behavioural change. This review also suggests it cannot be demonstrated that training transfer will lead to a reduction of WRMSDs.

Abstract

Practitioner Summary: This systematic review investigated the effect of manual handling training on behavioural change and WRMSDs. Thirteen articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence suggests manual handling training is not effective at causing a change in employee's manual handling behaviour following training or at reducing WRMSDs.

Keywords::

• training transfer
• behavioural change
• occupational low back pain
• manual handling training
• systematic review