Wave Staffing Case Study - Many hands makes light work
Updated: 2 days ago
Manual Handling at BioForward 2026
Wave Staffing supported the delivery of BioForward 2026 at Co-Labs, Harwell Campus, working alongside White Space Creative Solutions on the event set-up and clear-down. White Space provides end-to-end event project management, production, design, manufacture and installation services, making close coordination essential throughout the build and de-rig process.
The Brief
Wave provided eight event staff across two days to assist with the physical delivery of the event environment. The work involved moving, positioning and removing event equipment, furniture, production materials and associated items during both the set-up and clear-down periods.
The priority was to complete the work efficiently while maintaining safe manual-handling standards in a busy, time-sensitive event environment.
Approach to Manual Handling
Before work began, the team received a clear briefing on the working area, the planned sequence of activity, access routes and any items requiring additional care. Staff were instructed to assess each load before lifting, considering its weight, size, stability, grip and the route required.
Wave’s team applied practical manual-handling controls throughout the job:
Using team lifts for larger, awkward or unstable items.
Breaking down loads where possible rather than carrying excessive weight in one movement.
Keeping routes clear to reduce trip hazards and avoid carrying items through congested areas.
Using suitable equipment or trolleys where available, instead of relying on manual carrying.
Maintaining good lifting technique: planning the lift, keeping the load close to the body, bending at the knees and avoiding twisting while carrying.
Communicating clearly with White Space’s production team and fellow crew members when moving equipment.
Delivery
Across the two-day assignment, the eight-person Wave team supported the structured build and subsequent clear-down of BioForward 2026. By working in coordinated pairs and small teams, staff could move materials safely while keeping the workflow moving.
During clear-down, the team followed the agreed reverse sequence, ensuring that equipment and materials were removed in an orderly manner. This helped prevent rushed lifting, congestion at access points and unnecessary handling of the same items more than once.
Outcome
The project was completed with a practical, safety-led approach to manual handling. Wave Staffing’s crew provided the physical support needed for White Space Creative Solutions to deliver the event build and de-rig at Co-Labs, Harwell Campus, while prioritising communication, safe lifting practices and efficient use of the team.
This assignment demonstrates the value of experienced event staff in production environments: not simply providing extra hands, but helping create a safer and more organised operation during the highest-pressure stages of an event.
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