TLID0020  —  Shift materials safely using manual handling methods

Who this course is for

Construction workers who handle materials manually as part of their daily work — on tier-one commercial sites (Multiplex, Lendlease, John Holland, Built, Richard Crookes, Probuild), commercial fit-outs, civil projects, or any workplace where manual lifting is a core task. Especially useful for apprentices, newer labourers, and crew leaders who are responsible for coordinating team lifts.

What you’ll learn

• The legal framework — WHS Act, WHS Regulation, Code of Practice, and your site SWMS
• Assess the load, the destination, the route, and worksite hazards before you lift
• Identify the correct handling method — single-person lift, team lift, mechanical aid, or escalate
• Use the 8-step lift-and-carry sequence with your legs, not your back
• Coordinate a team lift — commands, positions, matching pace, set-down on count
• Report variances when a lift does not go according to plan, so the SWMS gets updated

Why tier-one companies use this course

• Course content is calibrated specifically for tier-one construction environments — not generic
• Assessment includes the planning form and variance-report workflow that reflects real site practice
• Delivered on your active site by a trainer familiar with tier-one SWMS and prestart processes
• Full suite of learner materials — Learner Guide, Learner Presentation, and Assessment documents

Roles this course supports

• Construction labourer or skilled labourer
• Tradesperson’s assistant (carpenter, concreter, bricklayer, steel fixer)
• Apprentice in any construction trade
• Storeperson, yard hand, or materials handler
• Warehouse and logistics worker
• Crew leader or leading hand — coordinating team lifts
• Site supervisor — responsible for planning and overseeing manual handling tasks

Further training to progress

• RIIWHS204E Working at Heights
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
• TLILIC0003 Licence to operate a forklift truck
• TLILIC0005 Licence to operate a boom-type elevating work platform (boom length 11 metres or more)
• (CCT Clustered Course) PUAFER005 Operate as part of an emergency control organisation + PUAFER008 Confine small emergencies in a facility — useful if your career moves toward site safety or supervisory roles

Official unit description (training.gov.au)

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to shift materials safely using manual handling methods.

It includes assessing the risks associated with relocating the load, planning the relocation process and carrying out the relocation in accordance with the plan. Work must be carried out in compliance with the relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations concerning the manual handling and movement of loads.

Work is performed under some supervision generally within a team environment.