Biffa
Video Production - Case Study
Case Study - Video Production
Bringing Manual Handling Training to Life Through Video
Biffa
The Challenge
Biffa required a consistent and engaging way to deliver manual handling training across its waste and recycling operations.
Traditional training methods were proving difficult to scale effectively across multiple teams and locations, and there was a need to:
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Reinforce safe manual handling techniques in a practical, visual way
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Ensure consistency of messaging across sites
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Support ongoing training without repeated classroom delivery
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Reflect the real working conditions operatives face daily
The goal was to create a solution that could be used both for induction and ongoing refresher training, without losing relevance to real-world tasks.
Our Approach
We worked closely with Biffa to understand how manual handling tasks were actually carried out across their operations.
This included:
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Observing real working practices on-site
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Identifying key risk areas and high-frequency tasks
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Aligning content with existing risk assessments and safety procedures
Using this insight, we designed a video solution that would accurately reflect the realities of the job while reinforcing correct techniques.
The Solution
We produced a series of bespoke manual handling training videos, filmed on-site within Biffa’s operational environment.
The videos included:
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Real operatives performing day-to-day tasks
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Demonstrations of both correct and incorrect techniques
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Task-specific guidance tailored to waste collection activities
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Clear visual reinforcement of safe handling practices
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Supporting graphics and messaging to highlight key risks
Engagement Across the Organisation
A key factor in the success of the programme was the level of engagement achieved across all levels of the organisation.
We worked directly with:
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Operatives
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Supervisors
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Management teams
By delivering training on the job, within the actual working environment, the content became more relatable and immediately applicable.
This helped shift perception of manual handling from a compliance requirement to a critical skill for preventing long-term injury. Open discussions across teams supported a stronger safety culture and improved understanding of risk in real working conditions.
The Results
The introduction of video-based training provided Biffa with:
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Consistent training delivery across multiple sites and teams
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Improved understanding of safe manual handling techniques through visual learning
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Reduced reliance on repeated in-person training sessions
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A scalable solution for onboarding new staff
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Stronger engagement compared to traditional training formats
The videos are now used as part of ongoing training programmes, helping to reinforce key safety behaviours over time.
The Impact
By capturing real tasks in real environments, the training became more relatable and easier for operatives to apply in their day-to-day work.
This supported:
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Better retention of key safety messages
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More consistent application of safe techniques
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Increased confidence when carrying out manual handling tasks
The result is a more practical, sustainable approach to manual handling training across operations.