The Beginning

The skills component of Manutention training has a strong biomechanical basis enhanced by principles and techniques from the martial arts and weight-lifting. It is a psychomotor program based on normal human movement, designed so that one develops the ability to use one's body optimally whilst doing manual tasks.

A French physiotherapist, Paul Dotte developed an interest in Manual Handling when he injured his own back and was hospitalised early in his career. From that starting point, much of his subsequent work was directed to injury prevention in health care and he went on to establish SIFAM, a training organisation dedicated to safe manual handling across all industries.

The Evolution

From its initial offering of a training course in the manual handling of patients, SIFAM now offers a wide variety of courses which focuses on both the practical and theoretical aspects of manual tasks. It continues to refine existing courses in line with the demands of its customers and also to develop new course work. SIFAM personnel are also actively involved in the design and trialing of manual handling aids.

National Committee

At the end of 1998 it was agreed that a formal structure would be required for the AAMP National Committee to ensure that the Association maintained its relevance and continued to grow. The State branch committees elected representatives to the National Committee. This Committee now has responsibility for the restructuring of the training courses that;

• Maintain the fundamental principles of Manutention.
• Embrace the principles of adult learning.
• Reflect best practice occupational health and safety.
• Are competency based.
• Have assessment that is valid, reliable, flexible and fair.
• Recognise prior learning and current competencies.
• Can be incorporated into the Australian Qualification Framework.
• Can be accredited under Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) guidelines.