Ergocoach Course Manual Handling

To prevent complaints caused by physical workload, it is important to first map the risks properly. Only then can you determine which measures are needed to reduce or remove these risks. Although several solutions are often possible, their effectiveness differs per situation. In this course you learn to assess which approach has the most effect in your working environment to prevent physical overload and complaints.

We also pay a lot of attention to healthy working and to developing coaching skills. As an ergocoach you learn to analyse various forms of working behaviour, assess physical workload and advise on healthy working habits and the use of aids.

The course combines e-learning with practical training (blended learning) and consists of three modules:

1. Theory – insight into physical workload, the body and the role of the ergocoach.

2. Practice – practising working techniques, aids and coaching on the shop floor.

3. Coaching – strengthening communication skills and guiding colleagues.

In this module you lay the foundation for healthy and safe working. You learn how the body responds to physical workload and which factors contribute to overload or, conversely, to recovery. You also gain insight into your role as an ergocoach and how you can apply this knowledge in daily practice.

Topics covered:

• How muscles, joints and the musculoskeletal system work.

• Recognising risky postures, movements and work situations.

• Learning to recognise early signs of overload and knowing what your role is in raising them for discussion.

• The source approach: reducing risks at the cause rather than correcting afterwards.

• The role and tasks of the ergocoach within the organisation.

• Introduction to objective assessment methods such as the NIOSH and KIM methods, and posture analyses (RULA/REBA).

• Relevant legislation and regulations, including the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) on physical workload.

• Experiencing and practising yourself: how you feel, recognise and can influence physical workload.

• Some practical exercises that contribute to task-related fitness and improving your work capacity.

During this module you combine knowledge and experience. You learn not only to understand where physical workload arises, but also to feel what it means and see how small adjustments can achieve a big effect. This lays a solid foundation for the practical application in the next module.

During this module you get actively to work on the shop floor. You learn to observe workplaces and tasks systematically and to assess physical workload, with attention to working habits, postures, work pace and context. You practise teaching and guiding practical working techniques (lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching), and choosing and using aids correctly. In this way you put the theory from module 1 directly into practice and experience what targeted adjustments in task execution, aids and organisation mean for your own workload and that of your colleagues.

Topics covered:

• Analysing working habits, work experience and ergonomic conditions in the workplace.

• Training working techniques such as lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching and the effective use of aids.

• Coaching and advising on favourable working habits: efficient use of muscles, less strain on joints and preventing static load.

• Attention to verbal and non-verbal communication with colleagues and clients.

• Practical exercises aimed at applying new insights and learning skills.

• Selection and correct use of aids in daily practice.

• Discussing findings and reflecting on the effect of the working methods learned.

Real coaching skills such as asking questions, probing further and entering into discussion based on what the ergocoach observes are far more effective than straightforwardly and with enormous enthusiasm convincing your colleagues and selling the message. For this the ergocoach learns competences that fit within “Professional leadership”. It also makes demands on personality, however. Which behavioural traits should an ergocoach have? Developing personal qualities and fostering personal growth are central to this module, working with role plays and practice simulations.

Topics covered here are:

• Coach the coach
• Communication models
• Communicating effectively
• Giving feedback
• Dealing with resistance
• Securing agreements

After the Ergocoach Course Manual Handling you can advise and coach colleagues on:

• Physical and mental workload
• The risks and their consequences
• How these can be favourably influenced through posture, movement habits, behaviour and workplace optimisation.

You can analyse working behaviour and working conditions in a practical and efficient way. This enables you to give sound advice on healthy working habits, work organisation and the use of aids.

The Ergocoach Course Manual Handling combines online preparation with practical training on the shop floor.
This form of blended learning – a combination of e-learning beforehand and active practice during the practical day – ensures that knowledge and application connect seamlessly.

Before the practical day you complete an e-learning with preparatory assignments, short videos and literature. This lets you study the basic knowledge of physical workload, ergonomics and the role of the ergocoach at your own pace.

During the practical day the focus is on experiencing, analysing and practising. In small groups you work with demonstrations, simulations, case studies, role plays and discussions. You learn to assess physical workload, observe working habits and coach employees in improving their working posture and use of aids.

This alternation of online learning, practical training and reflection creates a powerful learning experience in which knowledge, insight and behaviour reinforce each other.

The Ergocoach Course Manual Handling consists of a combination of online preparation and a practical day on site.

Before the practical day you follow an e-learning with preparatory assignments, short videos and background literature. This online preparation takes about half a day.

The course is also offered as a tailored programme within organisations, with the content and duration adapted to the team's work situation and learning objectives.

When several colleagues face the same challenge, a tailored ‘in-company’ course is the perfect choice. It can be delivered specifically within your organisation

The investment is €449 (excluding VAT) per participant for the course on site. For an in-company training you receive a tailored quote, based on the number of participants and the location.

When employees face physical workload from carrying out heavy, physically demanding tasks, or sit, lift, push, pull, reach or stand in the wrong way, the risk of complaints to the knees, hips, arms, neck, back and shoulders is high. This can have negative consequences for physical health and (sustainable) employability. Musculoskeletal complaints account for 38% of work-related sickness absence. Moreover, unfavourable physical workload leads to errors and a slower work pace.

With the in-house expertise of an ergocoach you can identify risky situations early and respond quickly, before complaints arise. This avoids having to call in expensive external experts and saves on absence and healthcare costs.

In addition, an in-house ergocoach is always nearby and directly approachable, so problems are solved quickly and efficiently. Continuous attention to healthy working methods, lifting techniques and ergonomics increases productivity and reduces sickness absence. Employees also feel more involved and supported, which leads to more job satisfaction and higher sustainable employability.

A selection of the follow-up options:

Peer supervision:
Regular meetings where ergocoaches can share experiences, discuss challenges and exchange best practices in a supportive environment.

Individual coaching and training:
Personal guidance and training sessions to help ergocoaches improve skills and tackle specific challenges.

Health and Safety Consultancy for Implementing Healthy Working:
Support in implementing healthy working, health and safety policy and carrying out risk analyses.

A 100% satisfaction guarantee applies to this course.
Not satisfied, no invoice.

Absolutely, we also offer you support after the course for as long as you need it.