Manual Handling & Moving

Key elements should include:

• a statement of the organisation’s commitment to managing the risks associated with moving and handling people and loads
• details of who is responsible for doing what
• details of your risk assessment and action planning processes
• a commitment to introduce measures to reduce the risk
• arrangements for training
• arrangements for providing and maintaining handling equipment
• details of your systems for monitoring compliance with the policy and for regular review
• information for staff on reporting pain and injuries

Moving and handling risk assessments help identify where injuries could occur and what to do to prevent them. It should be possible to complete the majority of assessments in-house as no-one knows your business better. The person carrying out the assessments must be competent to identify and address the risks from the most complex handling activities you undertake.  This usually requires specific training.

Activities that may increase the risk include, for example:

• assisting in person transfers
• aiding treatment
• assisting in carrying out daily activities (such as bathing) with individuals who will have specific needs

Assessments, care needs, competence and equipment provision are some of the factors that need to be addressed but handling people is not the only risk. Ancillary staff, porters, maintenance and support staff may also be expected to undertake handling activities which put them at risk and their activities will also need assessment and controls to manage the risk.

Care providers should balance the safety of employees with the needs, safety and rights of the people using care services. Manual handling policies and practice should not place unreasonable restrictions on residents’ rights to autonomy, privacy or dignity.  Risk assessment should be part of a wider needs assessment process to achieve the best outcome. Health and safety issues will then be identified and built into the complete care package.

The assessment should be person-centred and, where possible, involve the service user or their family in decisions about how their needs are met. This can reassure them about the safety and comfort of the equipment, and how it and the methods used will ensure their safety and the safety of staff.An individual’s needs and abilities can change over the course of a day. Staff should understand the impact this may have on moving and handling practices.