Manual handling quick guide

Manual handling is defined as “any transporting or supporting of a load (including the lifting, putting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving thereof) by hand or bodily force” MHOR 92.

The application of ergonomic principles and structured organisational arrangements can effectively reduce the existing level of personal injury arising from manual handling activities at work. Therefore, if tasks are not assessed and modified as necessary to reduce the risk, the incidence of injury and cumulative trauma is likely to continue.

Encourage the patient to move independently whenever possible and to participate in their full capacity if assistance with movement is required.

There may be additional risks when moving the extremely heavy patient, therefore before moving the patient:

• follow the moving and handling plan including the recommended correct number of colleagues
• colleagues to seek the patients consent before any restrictive equipment is used including hoists, if the patient lacks capacity to consent a decision should be made under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• ensure that any specialist equipment required is available and is within the safe working load for the patient. Patients should not be manually lifted
• prepare the environment ensuring enough space to move
• adjust the height of the bed to ensure comfort and safety for the handlers
• ensure a full explanation is given to the patient prior to moving so they can assist where possible
• ensure a full explanation is given to all the handlers involved in movement of the patient, so that they are aware of what they will be required to do (especially if help is enlisted from other areas)
• apply brakes to moveable equipment (except the appropriate hoist which is being used)
• if the patient cannot be transferred safely into a chair, then they must remain in bed with the appropriate pressure relieving support in-situ
• bathing should be by bed bath unless they can independently walk into a shower area

Page last reviewed: September 06, 2024
Next review due: September 06, 2025