Manual handling might not seem high risk, but it is actually one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. The importance of using safe manual handling equipment can therefore mean the difference between a productive day at work or being off work with a bad back!
Manual handling is an everyday task and when we are supporting people at home, in care homes, hospitals or in the community, workers can take continuous physical weight when supporting people to move or mobilise.
Having appropriate equipment such as hoists, stand aids, and overhead tracks can reduce the risks of injury to both workers and the people we care for.
Studies around the use of manual handling equipment have identified an increase in worker productivity and confidence, whilst the people we care for expressed a feeling of more choice and control in the decision made about what type of equipment they wished to access to support them to remain independent.
Everyone who is required to use any piece of manual handling equipment should firstly have had manual handling training.
This training will enable people to discuss, demonstrate and practice with the equipment and feel confident to use as part of their role. If people have not had sufficient training this can lead to all involved being at risk.
Please feel free to look at our courses to access training or speak to the relevant person.
