Health and Safety Training for Your Workplace
Fit4Work Frequently Asked Questions
Fit4Work provides practical, compliant training to help organisations protect their staff and meet UK health and safety requirements.
From DSE Assessments to Manual Handling and People Moving & Handling, our courses are designed and delivered by an experienced physiotherapist with over 20 years in workplace health.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions businesses ask about our training.
Currently, we provide DSE Assessments remotely, via Zoom at the price of £150 per person.
Remote (IOSH Approved) DSE Assessor Training is also available via Zoom, at the price of £220 per person (no VAT payable).
We also provide Remote Manual Handling Train the Trainer courses via Zoom!
Give us a call today to discuss your requirements, and details such as pricing, and availability.
After training, Fit4Work can provide supplementary materials, answer queries and perform telephone follow ups to ensure that practices are being implemented.
We also periodically run refresher courses for when training certification needs completing every year.
Fit4Work is used to adapting training – for example delivering remote options, scheduling outside normal hours, accommodating different learning needs, using interpreters or simplified materials, ensuring accessibility of training spaces.
Please contact us in advance to discuss your specific training requirements.
Check upcoming courses on our website, where you can select date/location and book and pay online. Alternatively, you can use our contact form to request in-house delivery, or phone/email if preferred.
Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter to be kept in the loop about when upcoming in-person courses are scheduled and to learn about whe we’re running our popular online Zoom training courses.
For bespoke in-house or tailored training, there’s usually a pre-delivery consultation.
Fit4Work updates course content in line with the latest HSE legislation, guidance, scientific research, and best practice.
Feedback from previous participants, changes in workplace technologies / environments / remote working are all taken into account.
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance or achievement; in accredited courses (such as IOSH-approved DSE Assessor Training) the certificate meets recognised external standards.
The certificate can be used in CPD portfolios, compliance records, audits.
While Fit4Work can accommodate large or small groups, smaller groups (e.g. up to 10-12 people) often work best – especially for practical training -to ensure adequate attention, interaction, and hands-on practice.
Train-the-Trainer options often involve fewer people to ensure high quality internal trainers.
Training courses can be delivered on-site at your premises, virtually (for some types), or in scheduled group sessions.
The format is chosen to maximise learning effectiveness, ease scheduling, and minimise disruption to our clients.
To see which training delivery formats are available, we invite you to browse our Operator Courses, Train the Trainer Courses and see which forthcoming group sessions are available to book online.
Fit4Work combines clinical physiotherapy expertise (Angela Hinton), strong experience across sectors, practical, hands-on training, flexible delivery (in-house, remote), accreditation (e.g. IOSH), and the ability to tailor content to your workplace.
This ensures training that’s accredited, relevant, safe, and value-for-money.
DSE stands for Display Screen Equipment. Training providers like Fit4Work help businesses to protect employees using a computer workstation, helping individuals to avoid the musculoskeletal injuries that can occur due to improper workstation set up. DSE Assessments promote employee health and safety, and protect businesses from disruption.
DSE includes any workstation using a computer screen – desktops, laptops, tablets, monitors. Key components like the keyboard, mouse, desk, chair, and lighting also count.
If an employee uses a screen for an hour or more continuously, it typically qualifies for DSE regulation requirements.
Our DSE Assessments include an assessment of:
- Posture
- Seating
- Monitor, keyboard, mouse and other equipment set-up and position
We also include:
- Training on correct postural alignment when seated
- On the spot changes to the user’s set-up where possible
- Exercises to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries if appropriate
A typical assessment at Fit4Work looks at posture, seating, desk & chair setup, screen positioning (height, tilt, distance), keyboard/mouse placement, lighting and glare, and how the user interacts with those elements.
We also provide ergonomic advice, recommend adjustments or equipment, offer posture-correcting exercises, and deliver a follow-up report with actionable recommendations.
Yes. Employees who use display screen equipment for at least one continuous hour a day are legally required to have a DSE Assessment, whether they are in the office or working remotely.
Employers must ensure remote/home workers have safe and appropriate setups.
Fit4Work recommends that assessments be reviewed at least every 1-2 years, or sooner if there are significant changes (new equipment, new workstation, changes in health, changes in working arrangements).
DSE Assessments are also required when a new employee starts, or when an existing employee reports discomfort or injury.
Typically about 30 minutes per individual for the assessment itself. Additional time may be required if on-site adjustments, training or consultation beyond the assessment are needed.
If a business wants to do assessments in-house, then yes – DSE Assessor Training gives staff the skills to assess workstations, understand relevant legislation, spot ergonomic risks, prescribe changes, and monitor compliance.
The training includes posture, anatomy, risk factors, equipment suitability, practical assessment, and reporting.
Remote assessments are done via video call (Zoom, Teams etc). The user shows their workstation setup via camera; we guide them through posture, chair/monitor setup, lighting etc. We still deliver a written /digital report. It works well with good photos or video from the user, and is ideal for remote/hybrid workers.
DSE Assessments are required by law for all employees using computer workstations (display screen equipment) daily for an hour or more a day, and help businesses to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.
Assessments meet the requirements under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (as amended), plus related HSE guidance.
Using an IOSH-approved assessor helps satisfy Health & Safety law, reduce risk of musculoskeletal issues, and shows due diligence in case of audits or claims.
DSE Assessments are required whenever changes are made to computer workstations, or when a new employee who will utilise display screen equipment joins a business. With both of these things in mind, we recommend scheduling DSE Assessments every 1-2 years.
Businesses can deploy their own DSE Assessments inhouse with the help of our (IOSH Approved) DSE Assessor Training courses. In just 6 hours, we can train employees to provide high-quality assessments inhouse, helping businesses to save money in the future, whilst protecting their people and meeting laws and regulations.
Our DSE Assessor Training course is IOSH Approved and meets the highest continuing professional development standards.
People Moving & Handling Training courses protect individuals involved in patient care and the physical moving of people, helping to prevent injuries to both parties.
This training is for employees who physically assist people (e.g. patients or service users) in moving, repositioning or handling – commonly in care homes, hospitals, day centres, home care.
Patient Moving & Handling training teaches safe techniques to protect both caregivers and those they assist.
Our highly practical People Moving & Handling Training courses are tailored to the delegates attending, and the setting they work in.
The course explores:
- Risk Assessments
- The legislation and legal requirements surrounding Moving & Handling
- Anatomy of the spine: how and why injuries occur
- Postures to avoid
- Demonstration and practice of correct handling techniques
- The correct use of equipment
Topics include risk assessment in moving people, legal responsibilities, anatomy of the spine and biomechanics, correct posture and techniques, use of handling equipment (slings, hoists etc), safe transfer and repositioning methods, avoidance of injury, practical hands-on practice/demonstrations, plus identifying and mitigating hazards in real work environments.
Yes. Where employees are involved in moving or handling people, there are legal and statutory duties under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and related legislation. Employers must ensure staff are competent (and competent means trained) to reduce risk of harm.
It is mandatory for organisations to provide People Moving & Handling Training for all employees handling people at work. Fit4Work help organisations such as hospitals, care homes, day centres, and those individuals providing care in patients meet Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 regulations.
Typically, the full course is one day. Refresher or half-day modules are offered, especially if staff already have previous training. The time includes practical sessions and theory.
Annually is the standard recommendation by HSE and Fit4Work. However, refresher training should also happen whenever there are changes: new equipment, new procedures, or if staff report issues/injuries.
Absolutely. Fit4Work tailors examples, case studies, and practice to fit your setting – care homes, hospital wards, in-home care givers. Equipment used in your workplace can be used during training to make it as relevant and practical as possible.
Theory covers legislation, anatomy, risk assessments, posture and safe practice. Practical parts include demonstrations, hands-on practice, using handling equipment, transfers and moving people, safety drills. Both are essential – practical practice ensures techniques can be applied safely, theory ensures understanding of why.
Yes. Fit4Work offers a Train-the-Trainer programme for People Moving & Handling.
Businesses can deploy their own People Moving & Handling Training inhouse with the help of our People Moving & Handling Train the Trainer courses.
The four-day train the trainer courses are delivered across two consecutive days over two weeks (two consecutive days – one week, two consecutive days – the following week), and help businesses to save money in the future and increase the delivery of new skills throughout the organisation.
This enables internal staff to lead training, helping embed best practice, maintain consistency, and reduce long-term dependency on external training.
Manual Handling Training protects individuals who are required to carry, handle and move objects in their work. Providing delegates with the techniques to avoid injuries, Manual Handling Training promotes employee health and safety, and by doing so, maximises productivity in the workplace.
Manual Handling Training is for any employee who lifts, carries, pushes or pulls objects at work: from warehouse workers, facilities staff, retail staff, to office staff moving boxes. It gives skills for safe handling to reduce risk of injury.
The course includes demonstrations of correct lifting technique, load assessment, handling challenging loads, activating core stability muscles, safe posture, back care exercises, use of mechanical aids where appropriate, and real-life practice moving loads in your working environment.
Our Manual Handling Training explores:
- Manual handling regulations
- The effects of unskilled handling techniques
- The anatomy of the spine and the effects of poor handling techniques on the body
- Video presentations analysing incorrect handling techniques
We also delve into:
- The core stability muscles, and how to activate them to stabilise the spine
- Practical handling of loads to ensure correct techniques have been learned
- Back care management: demonstration of, and participation in, suitable exercises to promote a healthy spine at work and at home
Yes. Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, employers must ensure that manual handling tasks which pose a risk are assessed and that staff are trained to handle loads safely.
Businesses that require employees the move, lift or carry objects at work, are required to provide Manual Handling Training to reduce the risk of injury to employees. Fit4Work’s Manual Handling Training courses can help employees to meet mandatory Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
Fit4Work’s Manual Handling course is typically a half-day (approx 3-4 hours), including both theory and hands-on practice. The exact duration can vary depending on group size and specific workplace context.
At least once per year is recommended. Also, if processes change (new equipment, new handling tasks), or if staff report discomfort or injury, training should be revisited.
The HSE recommend that Manual Handling Training should be refreshed annually (once a year). At Fit4Work, we advise that you schedule sessions ahead of time, so you can get down to business and wait for us to remind you of your upcoming training when the time comes.
Yes. Fit4Work brings the training to your site so staff can practice in the actual work environment. This increases relevance and helps identify real hazards in your workspace.
Yes. The Train-the-Trainer program lets you build internal capacity so selected staff can deliver Manual Handling training to others in your organisation, following a thorough two-day format (spread over set days/weeks as needed).
Businesses can deploy their own Manual Handling Training inhouse with the help of our Manual Handling Train the Trainer courses. In just two consecutive days across one week, Fit4Work’s Angela Hinton can train employees to provide high-quality Manual Handling training inhouse, saving the company money in the future and increasing the delivery of new skills throughout the organisation.
Employers can help by providing details of typical manual handling tasks (types of loads, weights, frequency), access to any mechanical aids used, photos or video if required, a space for practical practice, and ensuring participants wear appropriate clothing/shoes.
