Safety
Moving & Handling
Version 1.0 · draft for approval
The biggest injury risk in care work. Follow the plan, use the equipment, never lift manually.
Draft for approval — awaiting formal adoption by the registered manager; not yet in force.
The rule
Moving and handling injuries are the most common serious injuries in care work, for staff and clients alike. Every client who needs help to move has a moving and handling plan in their support plan. Follow it exactly — the techniques, the equipment, and the number of staff it specifies.
Always
- Complete practical moving and handling training (renewed every 12 months) before supporting anyone to move.
- Check equipment before use — hoist batteries, sling condition and size, brakes, safe working loads. Report defects immediately and do not use defective equipment.
- Encourage the person to do what they safely can themselves.
- Report any change in a person's mobility to the office so the plan and risk assessment can be updated.
Never
- Never lift a person's full weight manually — including lifting someone from the floor. If a client falls and cannot get up unaided, make them safe and comfortable, then call the office/on-call for guidance; call 999 if they are injured or unwell.
- Never use equipment you have not been trained on, adapt equipment, or handle with fewer staff than the plan requires.
- Never use 'drag lifts' or other condemned techniques, even if a family member asks you to.