DSV and Pristine Condition filming the DVD.

A UK transport and logistics company is reducing manual handling incidents at its workplace by partnering with a company founded by a former Olympic weightlifter and world record holder.

Victoria Beale, DSV UK's general manager of support services for DSV Road division, says most manual handling courses are "not that motivating" but Pristine Condition, founded by former sportsman Davy
Snowdon, teaches them in an exciting and fun way.

"This one is inspiring, encouraging the workers to take the messages out of this and reduce the incidence of injury," Beale says.

DSV was introduced to Pristine Condition by the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Beale contacted the HSE regarding a problem DSV had with a piece of materials handling equipment. Following its recommendation, she went to a meeting at Pristine Condition and was impressed by its work.

Pristine Condition provides a custom-made DVD for each client, filming it at the company's own warehouse so it deals specifically with its needs.

"By watching a scene showing a DSV truck or warehouse and worker, DSV staff can relate exactly to the situation and therefore are more likely to retain what they have seen. This is then backed up with a practical session," Beale says.

"Employees will perform their jobs and then be explained how to position themselves properly ... Training is based on learning about the structure of the body. Snowdon believes passionately in maintaining physical welfare. His extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology proves to be beneficial to preventing manual handling incidents," she explains.

The training aimed at the almost 1,000 drivers and warehouse workers in the UK and Ireland is accompanied by a maintenance program for ongoing support. Office staff are expected to receive the training next year.

Beale says that if the program works in the UK and Ireland, DSV may introduce the program internationally.

DSV is a global supplier of transport and logistics services with offices in over 60 countries. It employs about 21,300 people worldwide and recorded revenue of EUR4.8 billion (USD6.3 billion) for 2009.

Pristine Condition claims on its website a 70.5% reduction in manual handling-related incidents from training 13,500 people. By implementing a training program, a major British airline saved about GBP900,000 (USD1.374 million) a year.

According to the HSE's Health and Safety Statistics 2008/2009, there were 27,594 major injuries reported that year with one-third caused by slipping or tripping, and 104,301 "other injuries causing absence from work of over three days" of which two fifths of the injuries were caused by handling, lifting or carrying.