The safe and dignified movement of patients is a cornerstone of healthcare. In the UK, a robust framework of safety regulations governs these practices to protect both patients and staff from harm. This blog explores the key regulations and their impact on moving and handling people healthcare settings.
Key Regulations
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA): This overarching legislation places a general duty of care on employers to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees.
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR): Specifically addressing manual handling, this regulation outlines employers’ responsibilities to assess and reduce risks associated with lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, or carrying people.
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER): This regulation covers the safe use of lifting equipment, including patient hoists and slings.
Impact on Moving and Handling People in Healthcare Settings
These regulations have significantly influenced how healthcare providers approach patient movement and lifting:
- Risk Assessment: Every patient’s needs are unique. Therefore, thorough risk assessments are mandatory before any moving or lifting occurs. This ensures that the safest method is chosen for each individual.
- Equipment Provision: Healthcare facilities must invest in appropriate equipment, such as patient hoists, slings, and sliding aids. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to ensure equipment safety.
- Staff Training: All staff involved in patient handling must receive comprehensive training on safe techniques, risk assessment, and equipment use. Regular refresher courses are also necessary.
- Patient Involvement: Patients should be involved in decision-making about their care wherever possible. This includes discussing their preferences for moving and lifting and any concerns they may have.
- Culture of Safety: A strong safety culture must be fostered within healthcare organisations. This involves open reporting of incidents, learning from mistakes, and continuous improvement.
Benefits of Adherence to UK Regulations
Compliance with these regulations brings numerous benefits:
- Reduced Risk of Injury: For both patients and staff, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries is significantly lowered.
- Improved Patient Dignity: Using appropriate equipment and techniques promotes patient dignity and comfort.
- Enhanced Staff Morale: A safe working environment boosts staff morale and reduces absenteeism due to work-related injuries.
- Legal Compliance: Adherence to regulations protects healthcare providers from legal repercussions.
While the regulations are essential, implementing them can be challenging. Factors such as staffing levels, patient acuity, and equipment availability can impact compliance. It is crucial to strike a balance between safety and practicality.
In conclusion, the UK’s safety regulations play a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of patients and staff during moving and lifting. By understanding and implementing these regulations, healthcare providers can create a safer and more dignified environment for all.
Health Academy’s ‘Moving and Handling People’ Training
In the previous section, we discussed the importance of safety regulations in moving and lifting patients within healthcare settings. Now, let’s delve deeper and explore why training courses like Health Academy’s ‘Moving and Handling People’ course are essential for ensuring both employer and employee compliance with these regulations.
Fulfilling Employer Duty of Care:
The Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) 1974 places a legal duty of care on employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees. This includes protecting them from risks associated with manual handling tasks, like lifting patients. Training courses equip staff with the knowledge and skills to perform these tasks safely, minimising the risk of injury and fulfilling the employer’s legal obligation.
Meeting Regulation Requirements:
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHOR) 1992 mandate employers to assess risks associated with moving people and implement strategies to minimise them. Training courses like the one offered by Health Academy directly address this requirement. Through the course, staff learn how to conduct risk assessments, identify potential hazards, and choose the safest methods for moving patients based on individual needs.
Competent Workforce:
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 govern the safe use of lifting equipment, including patient hoists and slings. Courses like this ensure staff are competent in using this equipment correctly, performing routine checks, and identifying any potential malfunctions. This minimises the risk of accidents and ensures compliance with LOLER regulations.
Reduced Workplace Injuries:
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are a common problem in healthcare settings due to improper lifting techniques. Training significantly reduces the risk of MSIs for staff, leading to fewer absences, lower healthcare costs, and improved overall staff well-being.
Enhanced Patient Care:
Training fosters a more patient-centred approach to moving and handling. Staff learn techniques that prioritise patient comfort, dignity, and independence while minimising the risk of injury to the patient as well.
Improved Workplace Culture:
Investing in staff training demonstrates a commitment to safety and well-being, fostering a positive workplace culture. Employees feel valued and empowered to work safely and effectively.
Reduced Legal Risk:
By ensuring compliance with safety regulations, healthcare providers minimise the risk of legal action arising from employee injuries or patient accidents.
Courses like Health Academy’s ‘Moving and Handling People’ training are more than just a tick-box exercise. They equip staff with the practical knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of patient moving and handling in a safe and compliant manner. This benefits everyone—employers, employees, and most importantly, the patients receiving care.
Check out our range of compliance training courses
Moving and Handling People
This online Moving and Handling training explains the process of moving someone safely and gives step-by-step guidance, showing the most common lifts and moves. This training is ideal for those working in the care sector, where moving and handling people are regular occurrences.
Risk Assessments
This Risk Assessment Training is a key Health & Safety course that teaches you both what Risk Assessments are, as well as how and when to perform them. Understand the benefits of comprehensive risk assessments, and comply with basic legislation.
Consent in Healthcare & Chaperoning
All healthcare professionals must understand the principles that underpin gaining consent from a patient. This course will cover the key principles of gaining consent patients of all ages. In addition, this course provides training on chaperoning in healthcare environments.
