MANUAL HANDLING


What is it?

Every time you move something whether it be a box of stationary, a person (onto a bed for instance) or any object, you are Manual handling.

There is Legislation in place to protect staff from injury. This puts responsibility on employers to supply the correct equipment and training before staff participate in Manual handling tasks.

Manual handling seems like common sense but many of us still get in wrong.

Interestingly, if you watch a toddler move lift and move something, they do it right. They learn from us how to then do it all wrong.



How do I do it?

The easiest way of learning, I found, was by using the TILE acronym as a method of risk assessment.

Task- Assessing the task. What needs moving and where? If it’s a person, do they consent? What is the easiest way to achieve the move?

Individual- Do you need more than one person? Are you physically fit enough and strong enough? Does everyone involved have the correct training, clothing and equipment?

Load- What is the loads weight? Is it bulky or hard to handle?

Environment and Equipment- Is the environment appropriate (temperature, free of obstacles etc.). Is the equipment suitable and in good condition? Does everyone involved know how to use the equipment?



Legislation

The link below will take you to information about The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. This sets out the responsibilities of employers and staff.




Further information

This is a great power point that will help you further if you need it.




NEXT TIME: Safe-guarding (Children and young people)

Find more resources for NVQ and Diploma in Health and Social Care on my website Baffled by NVQ 


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