2. Manual Handling

The aim of the session is to examine manual handling and the issues that are most relevant to health care workers

The goals and outcomes of the session are:

The participants will be able to state they have an increased/renewed awareness of manual handling
The participants will be able to state they are aware of their role and the role of others in relation to manual handling
The participants will be able to state that due to their increased/renewed awareness of the issues surrounding manual handling they can make a safer contribution when manual handling, thus make a significant contribution to health and safety.

The content of the session includes the following subjects:

Introduction to manual handling
Relevant legislation
Employers’ responsibilities
Employees’ responsibilities
Risk assessment: ELITE
Clients’ rights (including RCN code of practice)
Anatomy of the spine
Causes of injury including statistics
Principles of Bio-mechanics
Unsafe techniques
Practical moves: Base lift, falling clients, assisting fallen clients, chair to standing, standing to sitting, Chair to chair, bed moves.
Hoist and the use of other aids

The assessment of candidates is undertaken on a continuous basis throughout the session.