Manual Handling Mastery – Backed by 35+ Years of Clinical Expertise
Tailored Training Delivered by Osteopaths and Physiotherapists
Building you a stronger, safer workforce.
With over 35 years of experience, OFI delivers clinically-led manual handling training delivered by expert osteopaths and physiotherapists. Our unique approach combines insights into body mechanics with an understanding of the practical, job-specific requirements from a wide range of industries. Each course is tailored to reflect your specific working environment and manual handling needs.
At OFI, we go far beyond standard health and safety protocols. Our hands-on sessions centre on movement education—teaching employees the skills to lift and move more efficiently and safely, rather than relying on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
We combine expert knowledge of body mechanics with wide industry experience in job-specific practical skills—enabling your team to build long-term movement habits that reduce strain, prevent injury, and enhance performance at work.
This isn’t tick-box training
Our goal is to create lasting behavioural change in manual handling activities and shift your employees mindset to think proactive injury prevention.
Employees gain a clear understanding of how the body works, how injuries happen, and how to apply safe movement principles in their day-to-day roles.
Explore Our Training Solutions
Train the Trainer Courses for Your Instructors
Give your internal trainers the tools to lead with confidence. This course turns team members into skilled manual handling educators, ready to inspire safe practices across your workforce. From understanding the mechanics of the body to mastering how to deliver engaging, compliant training sessions, your instructors will be prepared to make a real impact.
Practical Skills Training for Employees
We directly train your staff with hands-on, highly practical sessions designed to get straight to the point. This training builds confidence and competence in safe lifting and handling – including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and working with awkward loads. It’s all about job-specific application, so staff can put what they’ve learned into practice immediately and safely.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment Training
This course empowers your staff to spot and stop potential risks before they become problems. It’s practical, proactive training that teaches your team how to carry out effective formal and dynamic manual handling risk assessments while promoting a safety-first mindset throughout the workplace.
Train the Trainer Courses for Your Instructors
Give your internal trainers the tools to lead with confidence. This course turns team members into skilled manual handling educators, ready to inspire safe practices across your workforce. From understanding the mechanics of the body to mastering how to deliver engaging, compliant training sessions, your instructors will be prepared to make a real impact.
Practical Skills Training for Employees
We directly train your staff with hands-on, highly practical sessions designed to get straight to the point. This training builds confidence and competence in safe lifting and handling – including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and working with awkward loads. It’s all about job-specific application, so staff can put what they’ve learned into practice immediately and safely.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment Training
This course empowers your staff to spot and stop potential risks before they become problems. It’s practical, proactive training that teaches your team how to carry out effective formal and dynamic manual handling risk assessments while promoting a safety-first mindset throughout the workplace.
Train the Trainer Courses for Your Instructors
Give your internal trainers the tools to lead with confidence. This course turns team members into skilled manual handling educators, ready to inspire safe practices across your workforce. From understanding the mechanics of the body to mastering how to deliver engaging, compliant training sessions, your instructors will be prepared to make a real impact.
Practical Skills Training for Employees
We directly train your staff with hands-on, highly practical sessions designed to get straight to the point. This training builds confidence and competence in safe lifting and handling – including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and working with awkward loads. It’s all about job-specific application, so staff can put what they’ve learned into practice immediately and safely.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment Training
This course empowers your staff to spot and stop potential risks before they become problems. It’s practical, proactive training that teaches your team how to carry out effective formal and dynamic manual handling risk assessments while promoting a safety-first mindset throughout the workplace.
Train the Trainer Courses for Your Instructors
Give your internal trainers the tools to lead with confidence. This course turns team members into skilled manual handling educators, ready to inspire safe practices across your workforce. From understanding the mechanics of the body to mastering how to deliver engaging, compliant training sessions, your instructors will be prepared to make a real impact.
Practical Skills Training for Employees
We directly train your staff with hands-on, highly practical sessions designed to get straight to the point. This training builds confidence and competence in safe lifting and handling – including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, and working with awkward loads. It’s all about job-specific application, so staff can put what they’ve learned into practice immediately and safely.
Manual Handling Risk Assessment Training
This course empowers your staff to spot and stop potential risks before they become problems. It’s practical, proactive training that teaches your team how to carry out effective formal and dynamic manual handling risk assessments while promoting a safety-first mindset throughout the workplace.
Why Choose OFI’s Manual Handling Training?
Tailored Training Solutions
Our technical advisors, all with professional training in osteopathy or physiotherapy, will take the time to understand your manual handling requirements so our expert trainer’s can tailor the course to address your organisation’s unique challenges.
Expert Instructors
Our courses are delivered by highly experienced osteopaths and physiotherapists who bring clinical insight to every session. They offer clear, practical explanations of functional anatomy and effective injury prevention strategies, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply.
Flexible Delivery Options
Our training can be delivered on-site at your premises anywhere in the UK, at our London venue, or online—providing maximum convenience and flexibility to suit your operational requirements.
FAQs
At OFI, we know that safe manual handling is key to protecting your workforce and preventing injuries. Our expert-led courses are designed to give your team the practical skills they need to manage manual tasks confidently and correctly.
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive about manual handling training, certification, and compliance.
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 at our London City (EC3) venue or 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, online, or at our public London City venue.
- 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.
Get started today!
Contact us today to discuss your manual handling training needs and discover how OFI can support your organisation in building a safer, more productive workforce.