Frequently Asked Questions
Manual Handling Training
What is Manual Handling?
What Are the Legal Responsibilities Around Manual Handling?
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR), employers must:
- Avoid hazardous manual handling tasks where possible.
- Assess unavoidable manual handling risks.
- Reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable. Employees also have a duty to follow safe working practices and use any provided equipment properly.
Read more about The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
How Can Manual Handling Injuries Be Prevented?
Preventing injuries involves a proactive approach:
- Conduct thorough manual handling risk assessments.
- Use mechanical aids wherever possible to reduce strain.
- Provide practical, task-specific manual handling training.
- Monitor, encourage, and maintain safe working techniques.
- Regularly review and update manual handling procedures to stay compliant and protect staff.
Are There Recommended Weight Limits for Lifting?
There is a wide range of individual capability, even among those who are fit and healthy, for the handling of heavy loads. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations guideline figures provide a reasonable level of protection to around 95% of working men and women. [Ref - Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 – Guidance on Regulations (Page 52)] However, you must not regard them as safe weight limits for lifting. Because there are very many factors that influence risk, there is no weight threshold where manual handling operations change from ‘safe’ to ‘unsafe’.
The recommended weight will also vary depending on the position in which the load is held. A reduced weight is recommended when holding the load away from the body, or when held above or below the optimum carriage height.
Is a 'No Lifting' Policy Advisable?
The MHOR does not mandate a 'no lifting' policy. However, it emphasises avoiding hazardous manual handling where possible. If manual handling is necessary, risks must be assessed and minimised. A balanced approach, considering both the necessity of the task and the potential risks, is recommended.
What Is the TILE Method?
TILE stands for:
- Task: What needs lifting/moving?
- Individual: Who is performing the task?
- Load: What are the characteristics of the load?
- Environment: Where is the task taking place? Using TILE helps spot risks early and create safer handling solutions.
How Long Is a Manual Handling Certificate Valid?
Manual handling training certificates are typically valid for three years from the date of the course or most recent refresher. However, some workplaces may require refresher training sooner depending on the level of risk, particularly if high-risk tasks, specialist equipment, or people handling is involved.
How Often Should Manual Handling Refresher Training Be Completed?
It’s best practice to renew your manual handling training before your current certificate expires. Keeping up to date ensures:
- Continued legal compliance
- Safer practices across your workforce
- Reduced risk of injury and liability
Don't let certifications lapse—refresher training protects your people and your business.
I’ve Lost Track of My Manual Handling Training Certificate — What Should I Do?
No problem! OFI maintains secure training records for all delegates. If you’ve attended a course with us before, simply get in touch and we’ll retrieve your certification history.
My Manual Handling Certificate Has Expired—What Now?
If your certificate has expired, we can help you quickly get back on track. Lapsed training can leave your organisation exposed to risk, but our refresher courses are designed to help you regain compliance and confidence fast.
📞Contact us today to arrange a refresher.
What’s the Difference Between Public and In-House Courses?
- Public Courses: Scheduled, open sessions held online, available to individuals.
- In-House Courses: Delivered on-site at your location, fully tailored to your equipment, work environment, and job tasks. In-house training ensures the content is immediately relevant and actionable for your team.
What Sets OFI’s Courses Apart?
OFI’s manual handling training is delivered by qualified osteopaths and physiotherapists—experts who understand body mechanics and injury prevention. Our training is practical, engaging, and tailored to your working environment, ensuring better results, fewer injuries, and confident teams.
Can OFI Courses Be Customised?
Absolutely! We believe no two workplaces are the same. That’s why we offer:
- Pre-course consultations to understand your work environment, needs, and risks.
- Task-specific content based on your real manual handling activities and equipment.
- Flexible delivery options: on-site at your premises (our preference) or online.
- Customised training materials: branded resources, customised course notes, bespoke videos, and more.
👉 Want to customise a course? Get in touch and we’ll build the perfect solution for your organisation.
People Moving and Handling
What is People Moving and Handling?
People Moving and Handling refers to the manual handling of individuals, including lifting, supporting, transferring, or repositioning people. This is particularly relevant in healthcare, social care, and educational settings where staff assist individuals with mobility challenges.
What are the legal requirements for people moving and handling to protect employees?
Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR), employers are legally obligated to:
- Avoid hazardous people moving and handling operations where possible
- Assess people moving and handling tasks that cannot be avoided
- Implement effective control measures to reduce the risk of injury
- Provide employees with adequate people moving and handling training and information
How can we prevent injuries related to People Moving and Handling?
Effective injury prevention involves:
- Risk Assessment – Identifying and evaluating people moving and handling risks
- Practical Skills Training – Ensuring staff are trained in safe handling techniques
- Mechanical Aids – Using hoists, slide sheets, and other handling equipment where appropriate
- Workplace Design – Creating a layout that supports safe handling and reduces unnecessary strain
How often should People Moving and Handling training be refreshed?
Training should be refreshed every three years as standard, but more frequent updates may be needed if:
- New equipment or handling techniques are introduced
- There is an incident or a near miss
- Staff return to work after an extended absence
- An internal risk assessment recommends more frequent refreshers
Regular refresher training helps maintain safety, competence, and compliance.
Can I attend a refresher course if my initial training was with another provider?
Yes. OFI welcomes participants from other reputable training providers. Our refresher courses are designed to update and reinforce skills in accordance with the latest regulations and people moving and handling best practice.
How long is an OFI People Moving and Handling certification valid?
OFI’s standard certification is valid for three years from the date of training. This applies to both initial and refresher courses.
What should I do if my training certificate has expired?
If your certificate has expired, it’s important to book a refresher course as soon as possible. Operating without valid training can place your organisation at legal risk. OFI can schedule refresher courses to help you regain compliance quickly.
📞Contact us today to arrange a refresher.
I think I trained with OFI before but can’t remember when. Can you help?
Yes. OFI maintains detailed training records. Simply contact us and we’ll locate your previous certification and advise on whether a refresher is due.
OFI provides ongoing support during your certification period, including:
- Access to our people moving and handling experts
- Free educational training resources
- Updates to training content in line with new regulations
How often are OFI's training materials reviewed?
Our training materials are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure alignment with:
- Current HSE regulations and guidelines
- New research and best practice
- Feedback from training participants
This ensures your staff always receive the most relevant and effective training.
What sets OFI’s training apart from other providers?
OFI training is:
- Clinically Led – Delivered by osteopaths, physiotherapists, and people moving and handling specialists
- Tailored – Built around your organisation’s specific needs and equipment
- Results-Focused – Designed to reduce injuries and improve safety
- Fully Supported – Includes post-course support, materials, and access to expert trainers
Can OFI’s People Moving and Handling courses be customised to our organisation’s needs?
Absolutely – and it’s one of the reasons our clients choose us time and again.
When you work with OFI, we will:
- Tailor the training to reflect your real working environment, job roles, and challenges
- Include your organisation’s own equipment (hoists, slings, etc.) in practical training
- Develop training content for different staff levels – from junior carers to senior leads
- Address specific client scenarios, risks, and incidents
- Provide branded course materials with your logo, documentation, and internal procedures
We offer flexible training formats, from short practical refreshers to in-depth instructor training. All content is aligned with MHOR (1992), HSE guidance, and your internal policies.
How do I book training or get a quote from OFI?
Getting started is easy. Simply:
- 📞 Call us on 020 8398 9522 to speak with a people moving and handling training expert
- 📧 Email us or complete our online enquiry form
- 📅 Choose dates that work for your team
We’ll provide a tailored proposal with clear outcomes and pricing.
Let us know how we can support your team in creating a safer, more compliant workplace.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
What is Display Screen Equipment (DSE)?
DSE stands for Display Screen Equipment and refers to any device with a display screen—most commonly desktop computers, but it also includes laptops, tablets, smartphones, and touchscreens.
Proper DSE setup is essential to ensure a workstation supports safe and comfortable working, helping to reduce the risk of pain, repetitive strain injuries, fatigue, and other health issues.
Who is classified as a DSE user?
A DSE user is someone who habitually uses display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work. This typically includes employees who use DSE daily for continuous periods of an hour or more.
What are the health risks associated with prolonged DSE use?
Extended or improper use of DSE can lead to:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affecting the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and wrists.
- Eye strain and visual fatigue.
- Headaches and mental fatigue.
- Stress and decreased productivity.
These issues often result from poor workstation design, inadequate posture, and insufficient breaks.
What are the employer's responsibilities under the DSE Regulations?
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, employers must:
- Conduct a suitable and sufficient analysis of workstations to assess and reduce risks.
- Ensure workstations meet minimum requirements.
- Plan work activities to allow breaks or changes of activity.
- Provide eye and eyesight tests on request, and glasses if needed.
- Provide information and training on DSE use.
How often should DSE assessments be conducted?
DSE assessments should be reviewed:
- When a new workstation is set up.
- When a new user starts work.
- When a change is made to an existing workstation.
- If users complain of pain or discomfort.
What does a DSE assessment involve?
A DSE assessment evaluates the risks associated with DSE use and includes:
- Reviewing the workstation layout.
- Assessing the user's posture and work habits.
- Identifying potential hazards.
- Unbiased recommendations and adjustments to equipment or practices.
The goal is to minimise health risks and enhance comfort and productivity.
Can employees perform their own DSE assessments?
Yes, employees can complete self-assessments using standardised checklists. However, it's recommended that a trained assessor reviews the results to ensure accuracy and address any identified issues.
What is OFI’s Online DSE Assessment Tool?
OFI’s Online DSE Assessment Tool is a user-friendly platform that allows employees to conduct self-assessments of their workstations. Features include:
- Videos and interactive questionnaires tailored to office or hybrid work environments.
- Immediate feedback and recommendations.
- Administrative dashboards for employers to monitor compliance and address risks.
This tool simplifies compliance and promotes proactive risk management to keep employees safe.
When is a one-to-one DSE assessment necessary?
A one-to-one DSE assessment is advisable when:
- An employee reports discomfort or health issues related to DSE use.
- There are specific needs, such as pregnancy or pre-existing conditions.
- Standard assessments do not resolve identified problems.
OFI offers personalised assessments conducted by chartered physiotherapists to address individual needs.
What is DSE Assessor Training, and who should attend?
DSE Assessor Training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to conduct DSE assessments within their organisation. Ideal candidates include:
- Health and safety officers.
- HR professionals.
- Managers and supervisors.
OFI’s one day course covers regulatory requirements, risk identification, and practical assessment techniques.
Are DSE regulations applicable to remote or hybrid workers?
Yes, DSE regulations apply to all employees who use display screen equipment, regardless of location. Employers must ensure that remote and hybrid workers have safe and suitable workstations, which involves providing assessments and potentially providing necessary equipment.
What are the benefits of regular DSE assessments?
Regular DSE assessments help to:
- Prevent work-related injuries and health issues such as musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, and posture-related fatigue.
- Enhance employee comfort and wellbeing, leading to improved job satisfaction.
- Increase productivity by reducing time lost to discomfort, illness, or absence.
- Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.
- Reduce organisational risk and potential liability by documenting proactive steps taken to support employees.
- Identify cost-effective adjustments before problems escalate, including workstation changes, accessories, or ergonomic equipment.