Why Safe People Handling Matters
In healthcare facilities and care homes, moving and lifting individuals are an everyday activity. Whether lifting someone out of bed, moving them to a wheelchair or simply repositioning them for comfort, correct methods are necessary. Safe people handling avoids injury, maintains dignity and keeps both the carer and patient safe. Without proper training and equipment, risks are multiplied. This manual covers all one needs to have for safe and effective people handling.
Knowing How to Handle People
What Is People Handling?
People handling is the moving, lifting, or transferring of individuals who are unable to look after themselves. It might be from assisting a patient to sit up from bed to transferring them out of a sitting chair into a wheelchair. In care settings, it’s part of the everyday routine.
When used incorrectly, it can be harmful. Carers can acquire back injuries and patients can become uncomfortable or even fall. That is why proper training and gear must be used.
The Legal Side of It
In the UK, stringent legislation ensures safe people handling. These are:
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) – Requires risk assessments and training to reduce manual lifting risks.
- The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) – Protects workers and patients by mandating safety regulations.
- The Care Act (2014) – Is focused on maintaining dignity and ensuring individuals receive the right care.
All caregivers are required to comply with these acts to prevent accidents and promote best practices.
Types of People Handling Equipment
Having the right equipment makes a big difference. Equipment enables carers to do their job safely and keeps patients more comfortable. Let’s take a look at the most general types.
Hoists (Ceiling and Mobile)
Hoists are a godsend. They lift and move individuals who are unable to transfer themselves.
- Ceiling hoists – They are fixed on tracks, conserving space and enabling easy transfers. Ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Mobile hoists – They are portable and best suited to situations where ceiling hoists are impossible.
Both types reduce strain on carers and make movement safer. But they require proper moving and handling people training to ensure correct practices.
Slings
Slings are utilized with hoists to lift and transfer people. There are different kinds used for different jobs:
- Full-body slings – Give maximum support to people who have limited mobility.
- Sitting slings – Aid in sitting transfers, often used with wheelchairs.
- Access slings – For dressing and toileting, providing access with support.
It is extremely important to select the right sling. It must fit to avoid discomfort or accidents.
Transfer Aids
All movements do not require a hoist. Transfer aids help with lesser movements:
- Transfer boards – Help in sliding from one surface to another, e.g., bed to wheelchair.
- Transfer belts – Offer carers a firm hold, making it easy to guide an individual with less effort.
They make short-distance transfers easy and safe.
Wheelchairs and Adapted Furniture
A properly designed wheelchair or adapted furniture makes movement easy. Equipment like tilt-in-space chairs makes posture and comfort easy. Adjustable beds and rise-and-recline chairs also make repositioning easy.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Assessing Individual Needs
Everyone has individual needs. Carers need to think about the following before choosing equipment:
- The individual’s mobility level – Are they able to look after themselves in part or are they completely dependent?
- Carer skills – Some equipment requires more training or strength to operate safely.
- The surroundings – Is there enough room for a hoist? Would a transfer board be useful in narrow areas?
A correct assessment ensures that the most suitable equipment is being employed, ensuring care is both safer and more effective.
Compatibility and Safety Features
Not all things go together. How slings must support hoists and transfer belts should do so as well. Safety considerations are also crucial:
- Wheelchair and hoist brakes – Prevent unwanted movement.
- Non-slip transfer boards – Reduce the likelihood of slipping.
- Slings’ secure fastenings – Maintain stability during lifting.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Good equipment helps both the patient and the carer. Poorly designed equipment is uncomfortable and increases the risk of injury. Ergonomic grips, padded straps, and air-permeable materials make a big difference in usability and comfort.
Safe Handling Equipment Use
The Role of Training
Equipment is one thing—using it is another. Training is needed to keep safety. Good training prevents accidents and gives confidence.
Carers must learn:
- Proper lifting techniques.
- Equipment weight limits.
- Emergency procedures.
Safeguarding adults training courses also teach the ethical side of people handling. It’s not just a technique; it’s about dignifying and respecting people.
Keeping Equipment in Good Working Order
Equipment is kept in good working order by regular maintenance. Carers need to check:
- Hoists – Are the motors in good condition? Are the slings securely attached?
- Wheelchairs – Do the brakes work? Are the wheels in alignment?
- Transfer aids – Are there any tears or signs of wear?
Cleaning is also paramount. Sweat, dust, and spillage can leave surfaces slippery and reduce safety.
Common Slip-Ups to Steer Clear Of
No matter how qualified carers are, they are not immune. Here are some to steer clear of:
- Missed safety tests – Always pre-use the check kit.
- Not prompting the patient – Instructing the patient on what is going on reduces panic levels.
- Abusing the improper sling – Incorrectly fitting the sling increases fall risk.
- Oversighting posture – Poor positioning of the body causes back injury.
Avoiding these mistakes will enable carers to create a safer care setting.
Technological Developments and Innovations
Emerging Technologies in Managing Equipment
Equipment for care is constantly improved by technology. Some recent innovations are:
- Smart hoists – Track patterns of use to ensure proper handling.
- Lightweight slings – Breathable, drying materials provide extra comfort.
- Motorised transfer aids – Reduce manual force, making transfers smoother.
These innovations simplify and secure care for everyone.
The Role of Technology in Training
Training has also gone digital. Virtual reality (VR) simulations allow carers to practice lifting skills in a risk-free environment. Internet training websites provide refresher training anytime, anywhere. These new technologies build skills and boost confidence.
Conclusion: Investing in Safety and Care
Safe care of individuals is not a physical lifting issue, it’s a matter of preserving dignity, supporting comfort and preventing harm. The right equipment, properly trained, makes all the difference.
“Safely” following best practice and embracing new technology, care settings can provide more effective, safer care. By which time carers, feeling confident and well-supported, have the dividends to pass themselves on.
