Crossroads CareManual handling guidance for staff

F.24c

Manual handling guidance for staff

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 This guidance is about the manual handling of ‘things’ (inanimate loads and objects). Its aim is to provide you with safe working conditions and reduce the risk of manual handling injuries. There is a definition of manual handling in Appendix 1 at the end of this document.

1.2This guidance isnotabout the manual handling of people. This is referred to as ‘mobility assistance’ and it is covered in:

  • adults’ mobility assistance guidance (F.25c)
  • children’s mobility assistance guidance (F.26c).

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAFF

2.1 You are required to co-operate with your line manager to ensure your own health and safety and that of others (for example work colleagues).Details of what this means are listed below.

2.1.1 Your health:

  • don’t putyour own health and safety at risk when you are carrying out manual handling activities
  • let your line manager know about any personal condition/s you have that could affect your ability to do manual handling tasks or affect your health and safety (including if you are pregnant). The information will be kept confidential.

2.1.2 Training:

  • put into practice the information, instruction and training you have been given about how to carry out manual handlingtasks safely
  • attend manual handling training as directed by your line manager.

2.1.3 Equipment:

  • if equipment has been provided to reduce the risk of injury, make sure you use it
  • wear suitable footwear when carrying out mobility assistance tasks –your shoes need to be sturdy, non-slip, have enclosed toes, a flat heel and an enclosed back or strap to prevent the foot slipping out.

2.1.4 Reporting:

  • tell your line manager / the person on call about any manual handling problems you come across straight away
  • report all accidents, incidents and near misses to your line manager / the person on call– you will be asked to fill in an incident report form (DT.03)

3.0 SAFE SYSTEMS OF WORK

3.1 Poor lifting and carrying techniques can have an adverse effect on your health and well-being and increase the risk of injury. To avoid this happening, follow the precautions listed below.

  • Comply with any formalised systems of work that have been set up for a particular task.
  • Make full and proper use of any carrying or lifting aids provided, such as trollies and lifting equipment.
  • Store heavy items between shoulder and hip height.
  • Where possible only store small light items above shoulder or below knee height.
  • Use your legs and knees to bend and lift - don’t stoop or bend your back.
  • Avoid stretching or twisting.
  • If you are doing repetitive tasks, make sure you take regular rest breaks.
  • Be on the lookout for any sharp, hot or cold edges that could injure you or others.
  • If you are carrying something, check your route for obstructions.
  • Make full and proper use of any personal protective equipment you are provided with (for example, gloves)
  • Don’t try to lift objects that look too heavy for you to handle.
  • If you think a particular manual handling task is unsafe (for either yourself or for others), don’t do it. Report itto your line manager / the person on call as soon as you can.

3.2 Additional information is provided on the following topicsat the end of this document:

  • prevention is better than cure (Appendix 2).
  • good handling techniques for lifting (Appendix3)

4.0LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

4.1You will find general learning and development requirements relevant to this guidance in the learning and development guidance (E.13c).

5.0 ACCEPTANCE

5.1 You are required to sign to indicate that you have received, read and understood the content of thisguidance as directed by your line manager and on completion of training, it is your personal responsibility to follow it. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary proceedings.

APPENDIX 1

DEFINITION OF MANUAL HANDLING

Manual handling is defined as the transporting or supporting of loads by hand or by bodily force without mechanical help. It includes such actions as:

  • lifting
  • carrying
  • putting down
  • shoving
  • pushing
  • pulling
  • nudging
  • sliding.

Examples of manual handling tasks include:

  • carrying boxes
  • lifting / moving office equipment (for example computers)
  • accessing files
  • moving furniture
  • carrying shopping
  • handling laundry
  • vacuuming
  • handling wheelchairs, including in and out of vehicles
  • any one-off manual handling task (for example, taking a delivery).

APPENDIX 2

Prevention is better than cure

With proper training, appropriate equipment and a safe working procedure, the risk of injury through the manual handling of goods should be significantly reduced. Remember somegolden rules:
  • THINK before you start the job - do you need to move it by hand?
  • Only do what you are physically CAPABLE of doing safely following these guidelines
  • Wear the proper CLOTHINGespecially footwear and gloves
  • Always report any HAZARDS you encounter
  • Exchange INFORMATIONwith others you work with and with your line manager

APPENDIX 3

Good handling techniques for lifting
  • Think before lifting / handling. Plan the lift. Can handling aids be used? Where is the load going to be placed? Will help be needed with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials. For a long vertical lift consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.
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  • Keep the load close to the waist. The distance of the load from the spine is an important factor on Spinal Loading and causal factors of back injury.

  • Adopt a stable position. The feet should be in walking stance. This gives stability in both planes, side to side and back to front; it also lets you get closer to the load.

  • Get a good hold. Use any handholds provided, bring the load close to your body as quickly as possible.

  • Continue in a good posture. Avoid bending forward as far as you can, use your leg muscles to lift your body, the load will come with you! Also avoid twisting or leaning sideways.

  • Keep your head up, try not to look down. When you look down your spine naturally curves over (bends) this is not an ideal position when lifting!

  • Set down the load with care. Avoid forward bending and let your knees flex a little.

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Policy/Manualhandlingguidanceforstaff/2013/10/APf024cLast reviewed July 2014

© Carers Trust 2014Review due July 2015