Minimal Handling Policy

This policy relates to all handling activities performed by Care4 staff whilst working on Care4 business.

PRINCIPLES

Care4 and its staff are required to work within the relevant legislative framework, specifically the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Health & Safety at Work Act 1994 and Management of Health & Safety at Work.

Care4 will provide a safe working environment for all its staff. Where practicable a minimal lift-working environment will be encouraged.

Care4 will provide appropriate training for all staff in safe handling techniques and back care.

STANDARD STATEMENT

Care4îs ëMinimal Handling Policyí ensures that all service users who require assistance with moving are helped in an appropriate way and that risks are minimised by using the correct equipment.

TRAINING

Moving & Handling/Back-Care forms part of the three day TOPSS Induction, all staff will be expected to attend this training before commencement of assignments with Care4 there will be an annual half day update for all staff.

Training records will be kept and maintained for all Care4 staff.

Care4 will ensure that all staff receives appropriate training in the use of specialist moving and handling equipment.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

A home Care Manager will ensure that risk assessments are carried out on all unavoidable handling procedures. The risk assessment will take into account the following factors:

Task

Load

Environment

Individual capability

Other factors

Care4 has a generic procedure for risk assessing inanimate objects as and when the need arises.

Care4 is responsible for ensuring as far as is reasonably practicable, that where a risk has been identified, measures are taken to eliminate or reduce the risk. Where a high risk has been identified, a manager will be responsible for immediately bringing this to the attention of the L/A if applicable or the family so that safe immediate, short and/or long term solutions can be examined and actioned as appropriate.

Care4 will ensure that a full reassessment takes place if any of the following apply:

Any task becomes too difficult.

There is a change in the characteristics of the load.

The working environment changes.

The equipment is changed.

An accident occurs whether an injury is sustained or not.

RECORD KEEPING

Care4's management are responsible for:

Ensuring that each service users care plan adequately details safe methods of transfer and handling procedures.

Maintaining details of individual risk assessments including all correspondence with other professionals.

Maintaining training records of all staff trained on Moving & Handling techniques.

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

It is Care4 policy that all staff present themselves for work in clothing and footwear as specified in Care4 code of conduct, appropriate for safe handling.

MONITORING & REVIEW

Care4ís management will ensure the effectiveness of this policy by monitoring:

Training records given

Accident investigation

Records and reasons for absence of staff

Manual handling at quarterly office meetings

The information in this policy relate to the requirements and guidelines within the following documents:

Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

Manual Handling Organisation Regulations 1992

Management of Health & Safety at Work

Work Place-Health, Safety & Welfare at Work

Guide to Handling of Patients