March 30, 2026
The British Drilling Association (BDA) continues to take proactive, evidence-led action to improve safety performance across the drilling sector, with Manual Handling identified as the single largest cause of reported injuries within the Association’s accident statistics collation.
As part of its ongoing commitment to raising industry safety standards, the BDA has already developed a dedicated Manual Handling Induction Audio Visual Production (AVP), forming a key component of a structured strategy designed to reduce Manual Handling-related injuries and improve workplace behaviours.
The AVP introduces the Pristine “Olympic” Principles, demonstrating when, where and how they should be applied across a range of drilling-related activities. With a concise running time of approximately 15 minutes, the production provides a consistent and practical foundation that supports both site-based application and wider coaching delivery.
Importantly, the principles are transferable beyond the workplace, reinforcing that good Manual Handling technique supports long-term health and wellbeing both at work and at home.
Delivering the next stage: POPS and Elite Manual Handling training
Building on the foundation provided by the AVP, the BDA is now partnering with Pristine Condition to deliver four specialist Manual Handling training opportunities for members:
These programmes are designed to strengthen practical competence, develop internal coaching capability and embed long-term behavioural change within drilling operations.
Level 2 Passing on the Principles (POPS)
The POPS course is Pristine Condition’s highly regarded Train the Trainer programme, focused specifically on Manual Handling principles and coaching competence.
Fully interactive and competence-based, the one-day course equips participants with:
The programme also introduces TRACA®, a structured behavioural observation framework designed to reinforce correct technique through both proactive and reactive observation approaches.
Elite Manual Handling training
Alongside POPS, the BDA will deliver two Elite Manual Handling training sessions led by Pristine Condition’s specialist instructors.
These sessions are highly practical, workplace-focused and designed to maximise engagement and delegate buy-in, with particular emphasis on applying Manual Handling principles directly within real working environments.
Supporting a safer drilling industry
Through the development of the Manual Handling AVP and delivery of these targeted training programmes, the BDA is taking clear and decisive steps to address the most significant cause of injury across its membership.
This initiative reinforces the Association’s commitment to:
Places on the POPS sessions are limited in order to maintain quality and interaction, and demand is expected to be high.
Members are encouraged to secure places early and take an active role in improving Manual Handling competence, safety culture and workforce wellbeing.
A small bursary fund is also available for companies unable to attend scheduled sessions, enabling training delivery at their own premises. For further information, please contact the BDA office – office@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk
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