2. What you will learn in this session 1.Relevant legislation, guidelines, trust policies & processes 2.How to carry out a risk assessment before moving an object 3.How good posture and back care support safe moving and handling 4.Understand and promote safe working practices 5.Importance of good communication and a team approach 6.How to control risk 7.Best practice in moving and handling

3. Why is this important?  Moving and handling is a key part of the working day for most employees  In health and social care, moving and handling injuries account for 40% of work-related sickness absence.  Around 5000 moving and handling injuries reported each year in health services  It costs the NHS £1 billion a year to treat injuries resulting from manual handling

4. What the law says  Significant amount of legislation and guidance related to moving and handling  Health & Safety at Work, etc. Act (1974)  Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992 – amended 2002)  Aim is to protect, employers, employees and the public

5. Your employer has responsibilities to…  AVOID moving and handling activities if there is a risk of injury to you  ASSESS moving and handling activities if it cannot be avoided  REDUCE the risk of injury to you as an employees as much as possible  REVIEW risk assessments regularly

6. You have responsibilities to:  Follow prescribed systems of work  Be aware of and understand your organisation’s moving and handling policy  Use equipment provided properly  Co-operate with your employer on moving and handling matters  Tell your employer if you identify hazardous handling activities or any defects in equipment  Ensure your activities don’t put others at risk.

7. How is moving and handling defined?  “...any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force” MHOR, 1992

8. Most common injuries  Musculo-skeletal disorders to the back and limbs including damage to:  Joints  Muscles  Tendons & ligaments  Repetitive Strain Injury  Hernias  Abrasions/bruises  Wear and tear  Fractures

9. The spine and back  The spine consists of:  Spinal cord  Vertebrae  Intervertebral discs  Ligaments  Tendons  Muscles

10. Assessment of risk  T.I.L.E.  Task  Individual capability  Load  Environment

11. The Task….  Why am I moving the person/load?  Can the move be avoided in some way?  How often will I perform this task?  Where am I going to and from?  What is the most effective / safer way of fulfilling the task?

12. Individual capability  Does it need unusual capabilities?  Am I the best person to do this?  Does my health affect my ability?  Do I require specific information/training?  Does it require a team approach?  Do I require protective clothing and will this hinder me?

13. The Load  Heavy?  Bulky or unwieldy?  An odd shape?  Difficult to grasp?  Unstable or unpredictable?  Hot or cold?  Sharp?  Slippery?

14. The Environment  Consider the following:  Lack of space to move  High or low work surfaces  Uneven or slippery floors  Steps  Inadequate lighting  Cold, hot or humid  Obstructions.

15. STOP THINK PROBLEM SOLVE Assessment leads to a plan

16. Position your feet correctly  Put your feet apart  Place the leading leg as far forward as is comfortable  Try to position leading leg in the direction you intend to go Wear suitable footwear

17. Adopt a good posture  Keep your spine in line  Maintain normal curve  Bend your knees  Don’t over-flex your joints  Keep your shoulders level  Raise your head  Face same direction as the hips

18. Get a good hold  Keep arms within the boundary formed by your legs  Keep the load as close to your centre of gravity as possible  Get a firm grip Do you need gloves?

19. Use equipment to move objects  You must be trained to use handling equipment.  Equipment should always be checked prior to use.  Report any concerns regarding damage. IIs it suitable for the task?

20. HSE guidance

21. Team handling  Lifting as a team does not mean you can lift lots more weight!  Two people can not lift twice as much, only 2/3 of what you think they can lift  Three people can not lift three times as much, only 1/2 of what you think they can lift  Think about the dignity and safety of everyone  Identify the lead to coordinate the move

22. Sources of information  Health and Safety Executive: www.hse.gov.uk  National Back Exchange: www.nationalbackexchange.org

23. THANK YOU Any Questions? Insert trainer’s name, telephone number and email here