QCF Diploma Health and Social Care Health and Safety Part 5

What we will look at: Manual Handling Safety during Manual Handling

Manual Handling Manual handling is one of the work activities you should not carry out until you have received the proper training. This is a legal requirement and it is important because if you don't use approved techniques, you could injure yourself and the people you support.

Policies The polices available to you should provide you with guidance relating to your particular workplace and relevant precautions and instructions for you to follow during activities that involve moving and handling. All care providers minimise any sort of lifting,and many promote a no-lifting policy. Much depends on the needs of the individuals the organisation provides care for.

Activity Write down some risks associated with Moving and Handling in your workplace

Risks – Harm to the Individual Unsafe lifting may result in the individual falling or 'being dropped'. This can happen if inappropriate or faulty lifting equipment is used, such as ill-fitting slings. It may also happen if care staff attempt to move an individual alone, or if one of them is unable to assist in a competent manner due to lack of training or ill health. Friction happens when two surfaces rub together; so incorrect lifting techniques that involve 'dragging' can result in the top layer of skin being scraped. This can then contribute to the formation of pressure sores in vulnerable individuals.

Harm to Care Staff Care staff are most at risk from back injury due to incorrect lifting technique. This can be caused by twisting and attempting to move or lift inappropriate loads. If care workers are not in comfortable and loose clothing, then their movement will be restricted. They can injure their toes on the hoist if they are not wearing shoes that protect the whole of the foot. Flat footwear is also necessary to ensure safe posture during moving and handling activities.

Handling Objects When you are lifting objects, you should follow the principles below: Assess the weight of the load. Can lifting equipment be used instead? If not do you require assistance? Should you be wearing protective clothing, for example gloves?

Handling Objects Uniforms or dress codes require you to wear clothing that is safe to work in. You should wear shoes without heels and that cover your toes, so that you don't injure yourself. Your uniform or clothing should be loose enough to allow you to move around. Dangling jewellery could be gripped unintentionally by an individual and sharp nails or rings could scratch and cause skin breaks.

Moving and Handling Technique Remember these points when moving objects: Face the load- never twist. Place feet apart leading leg forward. Lift in stages - take the load up to the knees.Then lift up to the carrying position. The middle of the load should be level with your waist. Hold the object close to your body. Make sure that the load does not obstruct your view. To set the load down, first lower it to your knees, then the floor, keeping your feet apart and back straight.

Safer Moving and Handling Principles Guidelines for moving and handling are set out in the risk assessments, but before you carry out any task you should go through a mental checklist. Each moving and handling situation is different - even those involving the same individual.

Safer Moving and Handling Principles Carry out your own 'personal' risk assessment first. Effective communication between all involved is essential, so that everyone knows their role and what to expect. Check equipment before use - make sure it is in good working order and has been regularly maintained. Use the equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use approved moving and handling techniques that are appropriate to the individual involved and available equipment. Co-ordinate with others throughout the move so that your movement is synchronised.

Safer Moving and Handling Principles Continued Make sure you don't tense your muscles and keep your knees 'soft' (slightly bent). Stand with your feet about a hip-width apart. Avoid stretching, twisting and bending and keep the load close to your body. Return equipment back into its place following the move and leave everything back within the individual's reach. Report and record any changes.

Personal Risk Assessments If part of your job role involves moving and handling individuals, you should receive additional training before you carry it out. You will learn about the approved techniques and how to use the equipment. You will also learn that before you carry out any move or transfer involving individuals, you should go through a brief mental checklist.

T.I.L.E Using the above letters helps you remember how to carry out a personal risk assessment. Task - what is to be done. Individual - factors relating to the person about to carry out the task. Load - factors relating to the individual to be moved. Environment - factors relating to the immediate area.

Activity One of your colleagues has hurt her shoulder. Every time you need her to help you to move a patient, you find that she is not able to do it safely. You are worried that you may injure your back, or hurt an individual in the process. She does not want to take any more time off work because she is worried about her sickness record. Pick the correct answer from below: Refuse to move the individual Move the individual alone. Get someone else to help you. Advise management if your colleague won't.

Care Plans and Risks You must not put yourself or others at risk. You would need another person to help you in the short term. In the long term, management do need to be aware of this situation, as people are being put at risk. You should always follow the individual's care plan and risk assessment. If two staff are required, then you should not attempt any move without help. As a general rule, you should not use the hoist without the assistance of another member of staff.

Summary There are particular hazards associated with certain work activities. such as moving and handling. Only carry out moving and handling activities after you have had training. and use approved techniques.