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Before carrying out any moving task, you must read the risk assessment and then do a pre-handling assessment.
An ergonomic approach looks at manual handling as a whole. It takes into account a range of relevant factors, including the nature of the task, the individual, the load, the working environment and any equipment required.
There are a couple of acronyms used in social care to help you remember the checklist in your pre-handling assessment. The acronym PEACE is sometimes used. This acronym stands for:
| P = | Person |
| E = | Environment |
| A = | Activity |
| C = | Care or Support Worker (that’s you) |
| E = | Equipment |
Another acronym commonly used is TILEO. This acronym stands for:
T
Task
I
Individual
L
Load
E
Environment
O
Other factors
You can see the items are similar. It doesn’t matter which one you are taught as long as you cover all the elements. We are going to focus on TILEO. These are the questions TILEO is designed to help you to remember:
- What is the purpose of the task – do you definitely need to do it?
- Could the object or load stay where it is?
- Can you use lifting aids?
- How long will it take?
- Where will it start and end?
- Are there any obstructions that need moving?
- Does the task require any sudden movements or pushing, pulling, bending or twisting?
- Have you been trained to make the necessary move?
- Do you have experience of previously making this move?
- Do you know how to use the equipment confidently?
- Are you wearing the right clothing and footwear?
- Are you fit enough to do the task?
- Do you have plenty of energy or are you tired?
- Do you have a history of back trouble?
- Are you pregnant or suffering from health problems?
- What is the size, shape, temperature, condition and nature of the load?
- Are you clear about where you are going from and to?
- Are you lifting from the floor?
- Are you able to hold it firmly?
- Can you keep the load close to your torso?
- What is the load’s weight? How can it be safely distributed? Do you need help?
- Is the load hot, cold, sharp or difficult to handle?
- Is it safe to lift?
- Are there any distractions or obstructions that need moving?
- Is the lighting good enough?
- Is the temperature ok?
- What are the floor levels like?
- Is there enough space?
- Do you need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
- Do you have the required PPE?
- Does PPE get in the way?
- What equipment are you using?
- Is equipment correct for the task and in good working order?
Health and safety regulations require you to:
Avoid
Hazardous manual handling, where possible
Assess
Identify risks of injury
Reduce
Reduce the risks
These boxes are too heavy for me
Good handling techniques for lifting objects are:
| Plan the lift – Can you use equipment to help you? Know where the load is going. Will you need help? Remove obstructions. Rest along the way. Change your grip, if necessary. |
| Get a good hold – Keep the load close to your body with the heaviest side of the load next to you. |
| Adopt a stable position – Feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward for good balance. Be prepared to move your feet during the lift to maintain stability. Avoid tight clothing and unsuitable footwear. |
| Maintain the natural curve of your back – As much as you can. Soften your knees and use your leg muscles as these are stronger than your back muscles. |
| Do not flex your back further while lifting – Be careful as this can happen if the legs begin to straighten before you start to raise the load. |
| Avoid twisting your back or leaning sideways – Especially while the back is bent. Shoulders should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time. |
| Keep your head up – Look ahead, not down at the load once it has been secured. |
| Move smoothly – Do not jerk the load as it can make it harder to keep control which increases the risk of injury. |
| Do not lift or handle more than can be easily managed – There is a difference between what people can lift and what they can safely lift. You are not looking to win a weight lifting competition. Overdoing it could cause you a terrible injury. |
| Put it down, then adjust – If precise positioning is necessary, put the object down first, then slide it into the desired position. |
There are different challenges to consider when you are moving and assisting people. Especially when you are working with someone who has dementia or a learning disability. These could be:
- Disorientation
- Communication challenges
- Unable to give consent
- Anxieties
- Memory loss
When you are supporting people, make sure you give particular attention to:
Communicate
Use good, clear communication
Reassurance
Offer lots of reassurance and praise
Preparation
Prepare the area slowly and sensitively
Inform
Let the individual know what you are doing
Follow
Follow the care plan and risk assessment
Manufacturers
Follow manufacturers’ equipment instructions
Review
Check daily notes for concerns or changes
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Class Sessions
1- 1. Identify legislation relating to general health and safety in social care
2- 2. Describe the main points of health and safety policies and procedures
3- 3. Outline the main health and safety responsibilities of yourself, employer and others
4- 4. List tasks relating to health and safety that should not be carried out without training
5- 5. Explain how to access additional support and information about health and safety
6- 6. Describe different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur in your work setting
7- 7. Explain why it is important to assess health and safety risks in situations and activities
8- 8. Describe how and when to report identified health and safety risks
9- 9. Identify key pieces of legislation that relate to moving and assisting
10- 10. List tasks relating to moving and assisting that you must not carry out unless you are competent
11- 11. Demonstrate how to move and assist people and objects safely
12- 12. List different types of accidents and sudden illness that may occur at work
13- 13. Describe the procedures to be followed if an accident or sudden illness should occur
14- 14. List the emergency first aid actions you are and are not allowed to carry out
15- 15. Describe the agreed ways of working in relation to medication
16- 16. Describe the agreed ways of working in relation to healthcare tasks
17- 17. List the tasks relating to medication and healthcare procedure you must not do
18- 18. Describe the hazardous substances in your workplace
19- 19. Demonstrate safe practices for storing, using and disposing of hazardous substances
20- 20. Explain how to prevent fires from starting or spreading
21- 21. Describe what to do in the event of a fire
22- 22. Describe the measures designed to protect security at work for you and people you support
23- 23. Explain the agreed ways of working for checking identity of people
24- 24. Recognise common signs and indicators of stress in yourself and others
25- 25. Identify circumstances that tend to trigger stress in yourself and others
26- 26. List ways to manage stress