Manual handling and ergonomics

At FitBack, we go beyond generic training. We are a leading provider of Occupational Health Physiotherapy services, and we leverage this expertise to create bespoke manual handling and ergonomic training programs specifically designed to address the unique challenges of different industries.

• Prevent injuries, not just react to them: Our programs are built on a preventative foundation, helping you avoid costly musculoskeletal (MSK) issues before they arise.
• Industry-specific solutions: We understand the diverse physical demands placed on employees across different sectors. Our training is tailored to address the specific risks faced by your workforce.
• Engaging and interactive: Our fun and interactive training methods ensure maximum engagement and knowledge retention.
• Improved employee wellbeing: Happy, healthy employees are more productive. Our programs empower your workforce to make positive changes to their behaviours at work and home to improve their overall wellbeing
• Reduced absenteeism: By preventing injuries, you can significantly reduce absenteeism and its associated costs.

Manual Handling

Our manual handling training uses an evidence-based approach that focusses heavily on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, and application of skills in a real-world environment.  For this reason, we do not teach ‘prescriptive’ (“bent knees, straight back”) ways of moving and handling.  Instead, we focus on taking ownership of health and safety and equip delegates with a range of strategies to proactively control workplace hazards and improve their lifestyle.  While all courses are fully tailored to each customer’s requirements, an example course outline has been provided below:

Aims and objectives:

• To recognise key musculoskeletal hazards in the workplace
• To understand the importance of developing a safety mindset and how this impacts the health and safety culture within a business
• To become familiar with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations and understand how manual handling risks are controlled
• To become confident and competent at completing a dynamic risk assessment
• To understand the importance of taking a pro-active approach to optimise health, safety and wellbeing and how this reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
• To explore new concepts in manual handling and challenge any previously held outdated beliefs.
• To have the opportunity implement new skills through a range of practical manual handling tasks.

Ergonomic Training

FitBack’s Ergonomic training provides health and safety professionals with the skills to identify, objectively assess and implement effective controls to reduce workplace hazards.  Our highly practical courses allow delegates to practice using and interpreting the data from a range of validated ergonomic tools in their own workplace setting, equipping them with the confidence to complete assessments independently.  We work with our customers to ensure that the ergonomic assessment tools taught not only reflect their specific workplace hazards but are also informed by any internal accident or incident data.

A typical 2-day course outline has been detailed below:

Aims and objectives:

• To gain a basic understanding of ergonomics and human factors
• To recognise the root cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders
• To become aware of specific organisational workplace hazards
• To practice and become confident at using a range of validated ergonomic assessment tools
• To practice writing brief and concise reports with sensible and suitable suggestions for controlling ergonomic hazards based on assessment outputs