MANUAL HANDLING for Non-Clinical Staff

Manual Handling Is the use of force exerted by a person to: Lift Move Push Pull Carry Living or non living object

Manual Handling Aged care is a high risk industry for injuries Manual handling involved at work Working with Residents (who are not always predictable) Trips and falls at work Most injuries are accumulative in nature whilst some injuries are from a more obvious incident

WHS Legislation Employer responsibilities Providing a safe work environment – free of hazards and risks Provision of Induction Provision of Information Provision of Training Provision of Supervision of employees

WHS Legislation Employee responsibilities Maintain a safe work environment – clean and tidy and ensure their actions do not create an unsafe working environment Only perform tasks that you have been trained in (including using or operating equipment) Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Wear protective equipment if required by the SOP Follow reasonable instructions

WHS Legislation Report hazards – if you see something that is unsafe, advise your supervisor/manager Report accidents – when you or another worker is injured (and near misses), be sure to report Make sure you are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol Protect your own health and safety at work You have a duty of care in the workplace, so don’t put other workers at risk

The ‘Hidden’ Impact Of Work Injury Research claims up to 80% of Australians will experience low back pain in their lifetime LBP and Occupational Overuse Injuries* cost Australia the most Pain and discomfort can last for years, affecting work, everyday life, family and relationships Safe Work Australia

Reducing the Risks 3 stages to safe manual handling Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Risk Control Identifying hazards A hazard is any situation that has the potential to cause harm to life, health or property

How can we identify a hazard?? On observation/completion of tasks Communication with staff Analysis of workplace injury records Client assessments

Risk Assessment Evaluate the likelihood of injury or illness due to the hazard High / Medium / Low

Risk Assessment Consider The environment – furniture, space, equipment Work practices – training, adequate staff numbers, mechanical assistance

Risk Control Controlling the Risk If a risk, our aim is to preferably Eliminate or where not possible, minimise the risk of injury or illness Is there a better way? Evaluate and then suggest a solution to the problem

Manual Handling Principles Stand/sit upright, maintaining a 3 normal curves of the spine Feet wide apart Bend at the hips and knees – squat or lunge Avoid twisting and bending of the back Point feet in the direction of movement Keep the load close to the body Firm secure grip Tighten core Use the legs Push rather than pull Safe working height at all times

Lifting the wrong vs the right way

Manual Handling Principles – applies when lifting any object

Back Injuries Occurs when too much STRESS is applied to the back DO NOT lift With an unsupported back Twist Avoid sudden movements Work in prolonged poor postures

Changes in disc pressure according to position or activity

Spinal Anatomy Vertebra and joints Intervertebral discs are the shock absorbers Ligaments connect bone to bone Tendons connect muscles to bone Muscles and bones provide posture

Posture There is no such thing as a straight back 3 spinal curves

Transversus Abdominis Muscle

Mechanical Aids Trolleys Flatbed Foot hand Step ladders Gloves

Office workstations With a upright posture, Seat at a height to allow elbows and knees to bent at 90 Top of computer screen at eye level Directly in front of workstation to avoid twisting Frequently use items within arms reach Office ergonomic aids to be use to ensure a safe posture at all times

Things to remember Avoid prolonged working positions Have frequents rests Avoid excessive exposure to vibration

Take home message We are not invincible Adhere to manual handling care plans Don’t take short cuts or unnecessary risks – they will get you in the end! If you feel there is a problem report it– if it is a risk to you it is probably a risk to others