Moving and Handling Plan: 5 points to consider
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.
As an employee, it is important that you follow an appropriate system of work when using the equipment that is provided. Try to avoid manual handling tasks which could result in an injury or 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, specifically 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. Click here to check which work equipment requires regular LOLER testing.
- 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.
For more information on moving and handling plans, click here.
