4 – Unit 43 – Safe Movement and Handling of Individuals in Accordance with Own Care Plan

1.1 Identify current legislation, national guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols in relation to moving and handling individuals

The primary legislation relating to moving and handling individuals is the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, also known as MHOR. This legislation covers any activity that involves moving or supporting a load by hand or bodily force, including pushing and carrying. It sets out requirements for employers to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling activities.

Additional pieces of legislation include The Health & Safety at Work Act of 1974, which states that employers must protect workers’ health and safety in their working environment; The Equality Act of 2010, which prohibits discrimination against disabled people accessing services; the Data Protection Act of 1998, which requires personal data be processed fairly & lawfully with adequate security measures in place; And the Human Rights Acts 1998/2010, stating everyone has fundamental rights protecting them from abuse within an organisational context, e.g. freedom from inhuman treatment etc

National guidelines are developed based on UK evidence-based best practice recommendations such as Manual Handling at Work (HSE), NHS guidelines, and others. These are designed to help healthcare professionals move and handle individuals safely.

Organisations also have their policies, procedures and protocols on moving & handling that must be followed by staff. This may include information on risk assessment/management, choice of appropriate equipment/personal protective equipment use, as well as specific safe techniques for manual handling activities such as lifting or transferring individuals from bed to chair etc.  Employers need to ensure staff receive adequate training related to the organisation’s policies around manual handling in order for them to meet their duty of care obligations.

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