1.1 Identify current legislation, national guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols in relation to moving and handling individuals
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 are the current pieces of legislation that govern the moving and handling of individuals in health and social care.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) are a set of rules designed to reduce the risk of injury to employees who must undertake manual handling tasks such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying. Employers must assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks and take steps to reduce or eliminate those risks, according to the regulations. This includes providing employees with appropriate training and education, as well as ensuring that equipment and facilities are appropriate for the task at hand.
The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 is a more comprehensive piece of legislation that applies to all workplaces in the United Kingdom. It imposes a general duty on employers to ensure their employees’ health, safety, and welfare, as well as to protect other people who may be affected by work activities. This means that employers must take precautions to prevent accidents and injuries from manual handling tasks, as well as provide employees with appropriate training and education on safe manual handling techniques.
Individual care providers, such as hospitals and nursing homes, typically develop policies and procedures for moving and handling individuals in health and social care. These policies and procedures will specify the specific protocols and procedures that must be followed when moving and handling patients or residents. They also cover how to assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks, how to mitigate them, and how to train employees on safe manual handling techniques.
The “Patient Handling and Movement” protocol is one example of a protocol for moving and handling individuals in health and social care. This protocol specifies the procedures that must be followed when moving and handling patients or residents, such as the use of appropriate equipment and techniques, as well as the involvement of a second person when moving or handling patients. The protocol also includes information on how to assess and reduce the risks associated with manual handling tasks.
Current legislation, policies, procedures, and protocols for moving and handling people in health and social care are intended to reduce the risk of injury to employees while also ensuring that people are moved and handled safely and with dignity. Employers are required to assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks, reduce those risks, and train employees on safe manual handling techniques.
Other answers in the full document:
- 1.2 Summarise own responsibilities and accountability in relation to moving and handling individuals
- 1.3 Describe health and safety factors in relation to moving and handling individuals
- 2.1 Outline the anatomy and physiology of the human body in relation to moving and handling individuals
- 2.2 Describe the impact of specific conditions on the movement and handling of an individual
- 3.3 Describe the action to take in relation to identified risks
- 3.4 Describe the action to take if the individual’s wishes conflict with their care plan
- 4.5 Describe the aids and equipment that may be used for moving and positioning
- 5.1 Describe when advice and/or assistance should be sought in relation to moving or handling an individual
- 5.2 Describe sources of information available in relation to moving and handling individuals