MOVING AND HANDLING Marion Aylott Chapter 9

Introduction This presentation will prepare you for manual handling. It will help you to develop an understanding of why manual handling is important, as well as introduce you to the main legislation affecting the workplace and the implications for healthcare professionals. This is the theory behind manual handling, for practical guidance you should refer to the printed text.

Legislation, Regulation & Guidelines Act of Parliament –Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 Regulations –Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1992 –Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (Amended 1998) –Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 –Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 Professional Guidelines –Guidance of individual professions i.e. NMC or Professional bodies i.e. RCN, Resuscitation Council (UK)

Employer’s Legal Obligations Provide adequate training & supervision Implement policies for Health & Safety at work AVOID the need for manual handling, as far as reasonably practicable ASSESS the risk of injury from any moving and handling that cannot be avoided REDUCE the risk of injury by implementing safe systems of work and providing equipment required for the job

The Hierarchy of Measures AvoidAssessReduce

Q. How does the hierarchy link to the nursing process? AssessPlanImplementEvaluate

Employers should also: Create safe systems of work Provide information & training Record staff training Report all accidents and put in place further prevention measures Monitor ill health outside work (relevant in fitness for work) Communicate effectively with staff

Employee responsibilities To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your actions, or omissions to act, at work Follow systems of work laid down for safety Make proper use of equipment provided for safety Co-operate with the employer on all health and safety matters - which includes participating in training Report all near misses/accidents/incidents

Discuss this question in your learning groups. Use your study skills to research further. Q. Why is perception important when considering moving and handling?

Risk Assessment Before undertaking any moving and handling, you should conduct a risk assessment. Risk assessments are the most important and effective recent safety legislation. Before undertaking any moving and handling task, always identify the hazards and assess the risks. Then implement the measures required to remove, or minimise the risk before starting work All practical work must have a risk assessment, if unsure - check with your line manager You should ask yourself – what is a hazard, and what is a risk? For moving and handling tasks you need to look at:  T TASK  I INDIVIDUAL  L LOAD  E ENVIRONMENT

Recommended Reading Graveling, R.A., Melrose, A.S., Hansson, M.A. (2003) The Principles of Good Manual Handling: Achieving a Consensus. Norwich, HSE Books. Smith, J. (2005) (Ed.) The Guide to the Handling of People. 5th edition. Teddington, Middlesex, ARJO. RCN & National Back Exchange