Policy

This policy covers all moving and handling of people (Service Users and Pupils) in social care / home care and educational environments. It applies to all members of BC staff who assist in the moving and handling of people. Managers are responsible for these staff, volunteers, agency workers and the safety of the assisted person. If agency workers are used although we are not their employer we have a duty to ensure that they have relevant information to enable them to carry out the moving and handling of people safely.   

This policy advises managers and staff of BC of the procedures required to manage the safe moving and handling of individuals we support, and to reduce to the lowest practicable level the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with moving and handling activities.

The Policy outlines how BC will meet its responsibilities under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended, and sets out the principles and strategies of risk assessment and management, to ensure that service users / pupils, moving and handling is avoided or made as safe as is reasonably practicable

2.1.     POLICY VALUES

• It is recognised that a duty of care exists to service users / pupils and members of staff and agency workers

• Each person who needs assistance with moving and handling will be individually assessed by a competent person taking into account their individual needs, capabilities and circumstances. A balanced approach will be followed which considers the person’s human rights as well as the need to protect staff and service users from injury.

• As part of the risk assessment, the risks and benefits to the person will be balanced against the need for staff safety. The rehabilitation and developmental needs of the person will also be considered as part of this process.

• The person and, where appropriate, those acting on their behalf, will be actively involved in the moving and handling risk assessment and decision making process.

• A problem solving approach will be adopted which considers the use of a variety of handling methods and equipment to reduce the risk of injury. The independence of the person will be encouraged at all times. Where a decision is made in respect of someone who lacks capacity, it will be taken in their best interests. (Mental Capacity Act 2007).

• The moving and handling risk assessment will identify the number of staff required to safely move a person.

• Following a moving and handling risk assessment, a written individual plan will be produced which will be reviewed at appropriate intervals or when circumstances change. A copy of the person’s moving and handling care plan in addition to the moving and handling assessment should be available for staff and carers for reference as per their local guidance.

• Manual lifting of service users / pupils will be assessed and may require mitigation or elimination. Hoists, sliding aids and other specialised equipment must be used whenever possible but in some situations manual lifting by trained staff may be required.

• A fire evacuation procedure is available in the workplace refer to Fire Policy 3.3 Part D Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) which is available under health and safety policies on the Intranet and Schools Web. It’s a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 that PEEPS are in place to ensure safe evacuation for persons with limited mobility. This does not permit service users to be left in a temporary place of safety awaiting the fire service, but must include their evacuation to a permanent safe place or to outside the building.

• Under the Equalities Act 2010, BC have a legal duty not to discriminate against disabled persons and to take reasonable steps to avoid placing disabled persons at a substantial disadvantage compared to that of the non- disabled.