Course duration: 0.5 days

In accordance with GWO requirements, manual handling qualifications expire after 24 months. The GWO Manual Handling Refresher course aims to “reset” incorrect habits. It focuses on updating knowledge in the field of ergonomics and re-practicing correct lifting techniques to ensure workers’ maximum safety and spinal protection for the upcoming years of work in the wind sector.

Course program

The training is condensed, focused on a quick review and intensive practice:

• Knowledge update – a reminder of the basic principles of anatomy, with particular emphasis on spinal mechanics and the most common injuries in the wind industry. Discussion of the trainees’ experiences from the last 2 years.

• TILE/LITE principle – a quick refresher of the risk assessment procedure before lifting a weight (analysis of the task, individual capabilities, load characteristics, and environment, e.g., slippery platforms).

• Safe lifting – consolidation of correct posture (using leg strength, maintaining the natural curvatures of the spine) during lifting, lowering, pushing, and pulling.

• Working in a specific environment – posture correction while handling loads in simulated, very confined spaces (characteristic of a nacelle or turbine tower).

• Teamwork – re-practicing communication and synchronization of movements when transporting asymmetrical loads in teams of two or more people.

What will you learn and remember?

By participating in this module, you will eliminate posture errors developed over the years and regain full readiness to:

• Critically assess the situation and decide whether a given load can be lifted manually or whether lifting aids must be used.

• Instinctively adopt an ergonomic body posture that maximally relieves the intervertebral discs.

• Safely operate heavy service equipment in a manner that does not cause microtraumas.

• Efficiently and safely assist co-workers during team lifting tasks.

What does the training look like?

The refresher course limits theoretical lectures to an absolute minimum:

• Minimum theory: a short discussion panel introducing the practical classes and verifying the trainees’ existing habits.

• Intensive physical workshop: the main part of the classes consists of exercises in work clothing. Participants physically lift and carry various loads, and a certified instructor continuously corrects their posture, eliminating noticed errors and bad habits.

Confirmation of course completion

The assessment of participants is based on continuous monitoring of their engagement and the correctness of the techniques applied during practical exercises. Upon successful completion of the course, the graduate receives a renewed GWO Manual Handling Refresher certificate. The qualifications are immediately registered and extended in the global WINDA database, which constitutes official confirmation of the competencies required by employers in the wind industry for another 24 months.

Where does the training take place, and is there parking?

Attendance confirmation takes place in Gdynia at 13A Polska Street. Free parking is located at 6 Chrzanowskiego Street. The barrier code is provided by the secretariat staff upon confirmation of the course. The training takes place in Gdynia at 13 Wiśniewskiego Street – where there is also free parking.