Your HLS Healthcare Guide to Safe Moving and Handling

If it’s your responsibility to care for someone with a physical disability or illness, then it’s important to make sure that you have the solutions you need in place to help them move around without injury or discomfort. Learning how to move an individual with mobility problems is essential for protecting not just the person you’re caring for, but yourself too.

After all, improper moving and handling techniques aren’t just dangerous for the elderly or disabled individuals that need assistance, they can also lead to serious injuries for carers too. Usually, moving and handling is a practice that requires attention-to-detail, the right equipment, and the right knowledge.

Here, we’ll offer a quick guide to help you update your skills.

The Moving and Handling Guidelines

Before you start moving people around in a care home or residential environment, it’s important to make sure that you’re fully prepared. At HLS Healthcare, we offer a range of solutions that can help to make your job easier, from slings and hoists to ramps for wheelchair access.

Ask yourself some of the following questions before you begin to improve your chances of a successful and comfortable moving and handling experience:

• Does the person really need your help to move, or can they do it themselves?
• How heavy is the person in question, and what equipment will you need?
• Will you need the assistance of another person?
• Is there enough space to perform the moving and handling activities?
• Are you wearing the right clothing?
• Are there any obstacles in your way?

Moving a Person or People

After you’ve assessed the issues above, you’ll need to decide whether it’s a good idea to go ahead with the move or not. Usually, you will have had some training to become familiar with the tools, furniture, and equipment you’re using, but make sure you remember how to use them correctly before you begin. Also, remember the following advice:

• Never lift anything or anyone above head height.
• Keep your back straight and make sure that you lift with your knees
• Ensure your feet are secure and planted on the floor
• Keep the weight close to your body for better control

Following good moving and handling practices isn’t just common sense, it’s crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your patients, and yourself. Improper moving and handling practices can lead to significant danger for all those involved. With that in mind, you should always avoid the need for any hazardous moving when possible, and assess the risks of injury before you begin.

Additionally, make sure that you take steps to reduce risk levels wherever possible by using the most effective equipment for the job at hand. Employees should comply with all systems in place and ensure that they use equipment and furniture in the correct, and most responsible manner.

Safety in Homes and Care Facilities

Ensuring well-being and quality of life in a home care facility, or residential facility begins with the right knowledge for safety and security. As with any issue of workplace safety, the best way to avoid unnecessary injury is with in-depth education and devotion to preventative tactics. With moving and handling, this will involve avoiding any unnecessary risks and ensure that you do not carry out any lifting unless it falls within the boundaries of what is required.

With HLS Healthcare, you can ensure you have everything you need to perform lifting and handling tasks quickly, comfortably, and safely. Why not explore our products today?