Risk at Work - Manual handling





※ Download: Manual handling policy


Guidelines: The matching of physical demand with physical ability in manual material handling becomes essential when loads exceed 10 - 15 kilograms. Requirements of OHSA Regulation 851, Sections 45-48 45. This Manual Handling Policy is a very simple, easy to understand, two-page document written by a Manual Handling trainer. Where possible, the load should be hugged as close as possible to the body.


What do I have to do? What do I have to do? This can reassure them about the safety and comfort of the equipment, and how it and the methods used will ensure their safety and the safety of staff.


What you need to do - Moving and handling - Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. The solution The company sourced a specialised barrow, which was adjustable to allow for moving different-shaped, large plants.


What you need to do - Moving and handling If risks from moving and handling are to be managed successfully, there must be support from those at the top of the organisation, whatever its size. This can be expressed in a clear statement of policy — supported by organisational arrangements — to ensure that the statement is implemented. Health and social care providers carrying out a wide variety of moving and handling activities may need to develop a moving and handling policy. It should be possible to complete the majority of assessments in-house as no-one knows your business better. The person carrying out the assessments must be to identify and address the risks from the most complex handling activities you undertake. This usually requires specific training. Ancillary staff, porters, maintenance and support staff may also be expected to undertake handling activities which put them at risk and their activities will also need assessment and controls to manage the risk. Some staff may have to adopt and hold awkward postures as part of their work, for example, nursing staff, and theatre staff. Stresses and strains arising from adopting awkward or static postures when caring for and treating people need to be addressed. Individual assessments which consider the specific moving and handling needs of care service users and form part of the care planning process. Generic risk assessments Care providers should balance the safety of employees with the needs, safety and rights of the people using care services. Risk assessment should be part of a wider needs assessment process to achieve the best outcome. Health and safety issues will then be identified and built into the complete care package. Individual risk assessments The assessment should be person-centred and, where possible, involve the service user or their family in decisions about how their needs are met. This can reassure them about the safety and comfort of the equipment, and how it and the methods used will ensure their safety and the safety of staff. Record the risk assessment and care plan. An example of a person-based manual handling risk assessment can be found in the and. Staff should understand the impact this may have on moving and handling practices. Individuals may become upset or agitated when being moved. Others, though willing to assist at the start of a manoeuvre, may find themselves unable to continue. Training may prevent injury arising in such circumstances. A natural reaction, while helping with walking, for example, is to try to prevent a fall. Injuries have occurred to both staff and the service user in such circumstances. Properly positioned, the helper may prevent a fall or allow a controlled slide. Having made the individual comfortable, they can determine how to move them safely — often with a mechanical aid. Specialist advice on how to help some users with specific moving and handling needs will also be useful. However, it is good practice to keep a record of risk assessments to help you manage the risks. You must communicate the findings of your assessment to all relevant staff. Monitoring and review Risk assessments should be reviewed periodically and whenever circumstances change to ensure they remain current. There should also be arrangements in place to ensure that moving and handling activities are monitored to ensure that correct procedures, techniques and equipment are being used.

 


If any of these tasks are not carried manual handling policy appropriately there is a risk of injury. An example of a person-based manual handling risk assessment can be found in the and. Workers had reported severe back strain when handling these plants. The plants were heavy, bulky and of varied sizes and shapes. Individual risk assessments The assessment should be person-centred and, where possible, involve the service user or their family in decisions about how their needs are met. Ancillary staff, porters, maintenance and support staff may also be expected to undertake handling activities manual handling policy put them at risk and their activities will also need assessment and controls to manage the risk. Turning by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time. The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder to keep control and can increase the risk of injury.