1. What does Moving and Handling Mean?
Staff have to move and and handle people, property and equipment a lot when working in the care sector. Poor moving and handling practice can result in:
- back pain and muscule or bone problems;
- moving and handling accidents – which can injure both the person being moved and the member of staff; and
- discomfort, injury and lack of dignity for the adult who is being moved.
Staff must:
- not do any moving or handling tasks until they have done their moving and handling training when they are first employed by the service;
- complete moving and handling training as often as required throughout the time they are employed by the service;
- follow appropriate procedures and use the equipment provided;
- inform their line manager of any problems;
- take care to make sure they do not put themselves or others at risk.
2. Activities of Risk
Activities that may increase risk may include assisting with:
- transferring a person, from a bed to a chair for example;
- activities (such as bathing) with adults with specific needs.
Stresses and strains can happen if awkward positions are taken when moving someone or something, for example standing in an unusual way.
Staff should read and follow / be informed of any risk assessment that is in the adult’s care plan before they move them.
The risk assessment should include information about the adult’s moving and handling needs, including:
- what the adult is able / unable to do by themselves;
- if they can support any of their own weight;
- other relevant issues including whether they are in pain, have a disability, get tired easily, have any ulcers or other wounds on their skin or have a tendency to fall;
- whether specialist equipment is required and the number of staff needed to get the adult into different positions;
- whether they need help to reposition themselves / sit up when in bed / chair.
Staff should be aware that some adults may become upset or agitated when being moved, particularly if they do not feel safe or reassured.
Others may become frightened during the manoeuvre and are unable to continue. These are situations where injury to the adult, staff or both may be more likely to happen.
Training can help prevent injury occurring in such instances.
