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The Importance of a Moving and Handling Plan

21st March 2019

Moving and handling activities

Moving and handling plans are implemented to reduce the risk of injury to staff and patients using patient handling equipment.

Moving and handling activities are a key part of carers everyday routine within the health and social care industry. Their duties can range from using moving equipment, assisting residents in moving, bathing and dressing, plus much more.

If moving and handling tasks aren’t carried out correctly, there is a danger of serious injury to carers and patients. Any care provider or organisation that uses patient handling equipment will need to introduce safety procedures and risk assessments to avoid any accidents and injuries.

It is important that an appropriate system of work is followed when using the equipment that is provided. Avoid manual handling tasks which could result in an injury and assess risks that cannot be avoided. Enforcing safety measures will help to reduce the risk, where reasonably practicable.

5 points to consider when writing a moving and handling plan:

  • Competency: Ensure that the carer(s) conducting the task have been suitably trained to do so.
  • Plan ahead: Identify what is needed to reduce the risk for all moving and handling tasks. This includes techniques, equipment, accessories and number of carers needed.
  • Risk assessments: Ensure there is a current risk assessment for the procedure you are undertaking. The risk assessment should include; techniques to be used, equipment type/size, the number of carers needed and any other relevant information. The risk assessment should be reviewed constantly, especially when the patient’s needs change.
  • Service of equipment: Ensure that any equipment you are using is checked daily and has had a LOLER inspection within the last 6 months with documentation. The date of the next service should be clearly marked on the equipment.
  • Cooperation and communication: When moving a patient, constantly cooperate and communicate with both the patient and the carer assisting. Cooperation helps to ensure that you and the assisting carer know what you are doing. Communicating the task helps to reassure the patient that they are in safe hands.

Importance of training

Employers need to make sure that staff receive adequate training and information on people moving and handling. Practical training has an important role to play in ensuring that staff have the skills and confidence to hoist people safely. In addition to practicing with the equipment selection and use, staff need to understand the principles of hoisting, the potential risks, how to use the specific equipment they have in their workplace and how to implement individual handling plans.

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