Manual Handling Policy

Transcription

1 Document Profile Box Document Reference: Version: 0001 Ratified by: Health and Safety Committee Date ratified: Aug 2008 Name of originator/author: Alan Gallagher Name of responsible committee/individual: Health and Safety Committee Date issued: 1 st August 2008 Review date: 31 st July 2009 Target audience: Document owner: Authorised signatory: All Staff Groups Alan Gallagher Roger French

2 Contents Section Page Contents Page 1 1 Introduction 2 2 Purpose 2 3 Duties The Trust Board All Employees Style and Format of Procedural Documents Risk and Claims Manager 4 4 Risk Assessment Process Manual handling Risk Assessment Patient Risk Assessment Equipment Available 7 5 Specialist Advice and Training 7 6 Occupational Health Provision 7 7 Equality and Diversity Statement 7 8 Training needs Analysis 8 9 Process for reviewing a Procedural Document 8 10 Version Control 9 11 Document Control Including Achieving arrangements 9 12 Monitoring Compliance with and the Effectiveness of Procedural Documents 9 Appendices Appendix A Version Control Sheet 10 1

3 1 Introduction The purpose of this policy is to provide information and guidance on the completion of manual handling tasks within (NEAS). This policy supports the Health and Safety Policy by detailing particular arrangements for the management of manual handling activities and the associated risks and assists compliance with the legal requirements of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended 2004) and associated legislation. 2 Purpose The aim of this policy is to recognise and respond to the specific risks associated with manual handling activities acknowledging that there is no threshold below which manual handling operations may be regarded as safe and manual handling injuries can happen to anyone regardless of age, strength and fitness. The aim of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992 as amended 2004) is to make handling in the workplace safer by stating the following: - AVOID the need for hazardous manual handling as far as is reasonably practicable ASSESS the risk of injury from any manual handling operation that cannot be avoided REDUCE the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling as far as is reasonably practicable REVIEW the assessment at regular intervals and as and when changes occur. 3 Duties The NEAS Health and Safety policy clearly details the general duties and responsibilities for all levels of the Trust for all Health and Safety activities and as manual handling is categorised as a Health and Safety activity, this policy will only state specific responsibilities. This policy therefore needs to be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety policy. 2

4 3.1 The Trust Board Has responsibility for: Ensuring that premises owned, leased or occupied by the Trust are safe and do not present a hazard to employees and others using Trust premises. Ensuring that all contractors are managed and reduce the risks of their work so far as is reasonably practicable. 3.2 Divisional Management Teams / Corporate Leads Have responsibility for: Ensuring that the Trust s is implemented within their area of control. Planning the capital investment required to address matters arising from risk assessments undertaken. Ensuring risk assessments encompass the risk of slips, trips and falls within their areas and that staff for whom they are responsible are aware of these risks. Ensuring staff awareness of this policy and their responsibilities and also ensuring that staff receive training appropriate to the risks involved. 3.3 All Employees All employees (including non executives directors and volunteers) of the North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust must have due regard for the duties placed upon them by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated legislation. This means that we all must:- Take reasonable care for our own health and safety and of other persons who may be affected by our acts or omissions and co-operate with the Trust so far as is necessary to enable them to fulfill their duty under relevant legislation. Make ourselves familiar with and conform to the along with any associated policies and procedures. Report any damage or defects to premises, equipment or vehicles immediately to the supervisor/local manager and complete the appropriate paperwork. Follow all the safe systems of work and information, training, instruction and supervision received. 3.4 Risk and Claims Manager Has responsibility for: The formulation, implementation and maintenance of an effective Manual Handling Policy, in consultation with staff representatives, and ensuring that managers coordinate and implement the policy in their respective areas. Reviewing and amending this policy to ensure compliance with any current guidance. Developing a comprehensive risk assessment register and associated safe systems of work, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Advisors. 1

5 Instigating and monitoring Area wide action plans arising from the risk assessment process as necessary. Analysing Manual Handling related incidents for reporting to the Strategic Health, Safety Committee and all sub groups. Raising awareness of the risks associated with Manual Handling through campaigns, newsletters and other media in conjunction with the Communications Department. 4 Risk Assessment Process All manual handling tasks within the Trust shall be subject to the risk assessment process in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 (amended 1999) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (amended 2004). All identified manual handling activities undertaken in their service will be risk assessed by the appropriate manager in conjunction with the Health and Safety Practitioner / Manual Handling Trainer to ensure that wherever possible manual handling tasks are avoided. 4.1 Manual Handling Risk Assessments It is recognised however that the avoidance of such tasks within the service is very difficult and the risk assessment process shall take the following factors into account:- The Load The Individual Capability of the Handler The Task The Environment All risk assessments will be recorded and the findings of the risk assessment are communicated to those staff undertaking the handling activities. The Manager shall identify the appropriate safe system of work for the activity being undertaken and ensure that this system is communicated to all staff and is adhered to. Complex risk assessments and individual patient assessments shall be supported by the Risk and Claims Manager and Health and Safety Advisor as required. Staff can also refer to Manual Handling Trainers for specialist advice. Where necessary, the Trust may also seek external specialist advice. Risk assessments will be subject to periodic review including post accident/incident where further remedial action will be put into place to reduce risk of/prevent recurrence. Action plans arising from the risk assessment process will be monitored through the Strategic Health and Safety Committee and where appropriate will be referred to the Risk 2

6 and Claims Department. Where necessary, the Risk and Claims Department will monitor organisational action plans arising from the risk assessment. As a direct result of the risk assessment the person(s) undertaking the task will be supplied with the relevant and appropriate information to safely and correctly undertake the task. The risk assessment will identify control measures such as; Conducting a dual/tandem lift Use of suitable mechanical handling equipment Use of specific resources, such as Bariatric vehicle/equipment 4.2 Patient Risk Assessments. All risk assessments must be documented. When considering the assessment of patients, five areas need to be considered. They are: Space constraints is there enough space for the patient, staff and equipment. The route that you plan to take to move the patient in or out of the property. Is there an alternative route available that may be better? Are the doors wide enough to accommodate the staff/patient/equipment? Can doors be removed to make more space? Is there clutter in the area? Will it need to be cleared prior to handling to make space for movement Assess the flooring is the floor carpeted, laminated, lino? Are there mats and rugs that can be hazardous that need to be moved? Are there steps, stairs, slopes how many, width, straight/spiral/dog leg? Check the condition of wooden steps are they in good condition/rotten etc? What is the heating in the area like? Is it too hot or cold for both the staff and the patient? Will you need extra blankets or to open windows? Is the lighting available sufficient for the task? Will extra be required? Are there family members or pets present in the area that may get in the way? Consider if family members may be able to comfort the patient and relieve their stress. When considering the movement of patients outside you will need to consider the movement of the patient to/from the property to the vehicle. You will need to consider the surface the patient is to be moved on Slopes Grass Gravel Kerbs Consider alternative routes for movement and the use of ramps to navigate kerbs. You need to look at other environmental factors such as the access of the vehicle as close as possible to the patient s property. Will you need to contact the police to close a section of the road off; will you need to get neighbours cars moved, how will you maintain the patient s privacy and dignity if people gather to watch? The patient and their: Weight what do they weigh? An accurate measure is always preferable but often Size and body shape how is the patients weight distributed? Can the patient lay flat, sit up, stand? Consider the height and width of the patient compared to the size and safe working load (SWL) of the equipment available. Will the patient safely fit on the equipment? Range of movement can the patient roll 3

7 themselves over, sit themselves up, move their legs on and off a bed/stretcher, move themselves up the bed/stretcher? Weakness, paralysis does the patient have any weakness or paralysis in any area of their body that may hinder movement? Consider which side may be best to move a patient. Muscle tone is tone increased or decreased in the patient? This will affect movement and may also affect the patient s position on the stretcher. Balance does the patient have any balance? You may/should assess the patient s head control then sitting balance and then ability to stand. The ability to sit and stand will make handling easier in some cases as long as the patient is stable. Stability and support when the patient is in a sitting or standing position are they stable and able to support themselves (take their own weight)? Dizzy spells, fainting does the patient have any history of dizzy spells or fainting is it related to a particular activity such as standing up? Aids used can they continue to use them, will they aid or hinder movement? Medical condition does the patient need an escort, monitoring, oxygen, medical intervention etc Can the patient understand and follow instructions when asked? If their 1st language is not English is there anyone available via control or at the address that can translate? 4.3 Equipment Available The equipment required for handling: What are the patient s equipment needs? What is available? Can we loan equipment from other areas? Will the equipment proposed fit in the area available? Is the equipment available suitable for task? Is the equipment the correct size for the patient consider the SWL of the equipment compared to the weight of the patient? Is the equipment maintained is it faulty, the equipment must not be used and Are staff trained to use the equipment? Do you/they need a refresher? If the patient has their own equipment available in their home are there any care staff or relatives available to use the equipment to aid the move? Handling using hoisting equipment in hospitals / nursing / residential homes should be undertaken by the trained staff available in these areas. 5 Specialist Advice and Training NEAS Training and development department is responsible for the training of all staff of Manual Handling techniques. Any specialist advice will be sought by the Training department as and when it is needed. All staff will be taught manual handling techniques as part of induction and ongoing training and review will be provided. 6 Occupational Health Provision To assess all staff, following a period of absence caused by musculoskeletal accident/incident, for their ability to return to work and safely resume manual handling operations. Ensuring pre employment health assessments are undertaken for prospective employees to ensure suitability for their proposed employment. 4

8 To work in conjunction with the Health and Safety Practitioner to ensure a program is in place to address the management of the long term cumulative effects of manual handling operations on employees. 7 Equality and Diversity statement The Trust is committed to providing equality of opportunity, not only in its employment practices but also in the services for which it is responsible. As such, this document has been screened, and if necessary an Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out on this document, to identify any potential discriminatory impact. If relevant, recommendations from the assessment have been incorporated into the document and have been considered by the approving committee. The Trust also values and respects the diversity of its employees and the communities it serves. In applying this policy, the Trust will have due regard for the need to: Eliminate unlawful discrimination Promote equality of opportunity Provide for good relations between people of diverse groups 8 Training Needs Analysis Line Managers will decide in conjunction with staff and the Strategic Head of Training Department on the exact requirements for all staff. The guidance in the attached table is not meant to wholly define training required. Staff Group Clinical i.e. Accident and Emergency, Patient Transport Service Including Managers None clinical i.e. Support Services. Control Staff. Fleet. Including Corporate Induction Local Induction Dynamic Risk Assessment Managers None Executive Directors Risk assessment Executive Directors 9 Process for Reviewing a Procedural Document The document will be reviewed at least annually or when appropriate after changes in legislation or guidance. The document owner will be responsible for this review. 5

9 10 Version Control See Appendix A Version Control Sheet. 11 Document Control including Archiving Arrangements See Record management policy QSSD Monitoring Compliance With and the Effectiveness of Procedural Documents. This policy will be reviewed twelve monthly or earlier if required by: The Trust Board The Assurance Committee Health and Safety Committee The effectiveness of the policy will be monitored on regular basis via the trusts health and safety committee. Key performance indicators will be monitored by analysing data received from the trusts incident reporting software against agreed trust/national targets. 6

10 Appendix A - Version Control Sheet Version Date Author Status Comment 7