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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Moving and Handling Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} promotes safe and dignified moving and handling practices for service users while safeguarding staff from injury.

This policy supports compliance with relevant health and safety and social care requirements, including (but not limited to) the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended); the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) where lifting equipment is used; Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR); the Health and Social Care Standards (2017); and the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011 (as they apply to care at home/support services).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and service users receiving care from {{org_field_name}}. It covers all aspects of moving and handling, including personal care, mobility assistance, and the use of moving and handling equipment.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside the following policies:

• Health and Safety Policy
• Risk Assessment Policy
• Personal Plans Policy
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Staff Training and Development Policy​​.

4. Principles of Safe Moving and Handling

{{org_field_name}} follows these core principles to promote safe and effective moving and handling:

1. Dignity and Respect:
   • Service users are supported in a way that maintains their dignity, privacy, and comfort.
   • Moving and handling activities are conducted with the individual’s consent and involvement.
2. Promoting Independence:
   • Support is provided in a way that encourages the individual’s independence.
   • Where possible, service users are encouraged to participate in their own transfers and mobility.
3. Risk Reduction:
   • Risk assessments are conducted for each service user to identify potential hazards.
   • Controls are implemented to minimise the risk of injury to both staff and service users.
4. Competence and Training:
   • All staff receive comprehensive moving and handling training during induction and annual refresher courses.
   • Staff must demonstrate competence before undertaking moving and handling tasks.

5. Risk Assessment and Personalised Care Planning

Effective risk management is fundamental to safe moving and handling practices at {{org_field_name}}:

1. Initial Assessment:
   • Upon commencing care, a moving and handling risk assessment is conducted for each service user.
   • This assessment considers mobility levels, health conditions, cognitive ability, and environmental factors.
   • Any previous falls, fractures, or injuries are documented.
2. Personalised Moving and Handling Plan:
   • Each service user has a personalised moving and handling plan as part of their personal care plan.
   • The plan includes step-by-step instructions for safe transfers, mobility assistance, and equipment use.
   • Plans are developed in collaboration with the service user, family, and healthcare professionals.
3. Regular Reviews:
   • Risk assessments and moving and handling plans are reviewed every six months or sooner if the service user’s condition changes.
   • Reviews must also take place immediately following: any fall; any moving and handling near miss; any change to mobility, pain, cognition, continence, skin integrity or behaviour that may affect transfers; any change of environment (e.g., furniture layout, flooring, lighting, new equipment); after hospital admission/discharge; or when staff identify that the current plan is no longer safe or achievable. Reviews must balance duty of care with risk enablement and the least restrictive approach, documenting agreed controls that keep risk as low as reasonably practicable while promoting independence.
   • Any changes are communicated to all staff involved in the service user’s care.
4. Environmental Risk Assessment:
   • Staff conduct environmental checks in the service user’s home to identify hazards, such as uneven flooring, poor lighting, or cluttered spaces.
   • Recommendations for home adaptations, such as grab rails or stair lifts, are documented and shared with the service user and family.

6. Safe Moving and Handling Techniques

{{org_field_name}} ensures that staff follow safe techniques to protect both themselves and service users during moving and handling tasks:

1. Key Techniques:
   • Staff use correct body posture, including keeping the back straight, bending the knees, and maintaining a stable base.
   • Manual handling is minimised, with mechanical aids used wherever possible.
   • Two-person assistance is provided when a task exceeds the capacity of one staff member.
2. Types of Assistance:
   • Minimal Assistance: Supporting balance or guidance during mobility.
   • Moderate Assistance: Physical support with weight-bearing tasks.
   • Full Assistance: Transfers using mechanical aids for non-weight-bearing service users.
3. Do’s and Don’ts:
   • Do: Communicate with the service user, ensure a safe environment, and use appropriate equipment.
   • Don’t: Twist while lifting, lift above shoulder height, or attempt to lift without assistance when required.
4. Promoting Service User Participation:
   • Staff encourage service users to participate in their own mobility where possible.
   • Techniques such as verbal prompts and handrails are used to support independence.

7. Equipment Management and Usage

{{org_field_name}} ensures that appropriate equipment is available and used correctly to promote safe moving and handling:

1. Types of Equipment:
   • Hoists: Mobile and ceiling hoists for non-weight-bearing transfers.
   • Slide Sheets: Used for repositioning service users in bed.
   • Transfer Boards: Assisting seated transfers between surfaces.
   • Walking Aids: Including frames, rollators, and sticks.
   • Grab Rails: Installed in key areas for support.
2. Equipment Checks:
   • Staff conduct pre-use checks to ensure equipment is clean, safe, and functional.
   • Defective equipment is reported immediately, and alternative arrangements are made.
3. Maintenance and Servicing:
   • Equipment is maintained and serviced regularly by qualified professionals.
   • Records of servicing and repairs are kept by the Care Manager.
4. Training on Equipment Use:
   • Staff receive hands-on training in using all moving and handling equipment.
   • Service users and families are also educated on safe equipment use where applicable.

8. Lifting Equipment Safety (LOLER/PUWER)

Where hoists, stand aids, slings and other lifting accessories are used, {{org_field_name}} will ensure compliance with LOLER and PUWER. This includes:

• maintaining an up-to-date equipment register (unique ID/serial number, location, owner, service history, inspection dates).
• ensuring lifting equipment receives thorough examination by a competent person at the required intervals (typically 6 months for equipment used to lift people and lifting accessories such as slings; or as otherwise specified by the competent person/manufacturer).
• ensuring pre-use checks are completed and recorded in line with manufacturer guidance, including checking sling labels, stitching, wear/tear, compatibility, and safe working load (SWL).
• removing equipment from use immediately where defects are identified, reporting to the Care Manager, and quarantining until repaired/replaced.
• ensuring staff only use approved, compatible equipment and never mix slings/hoists unless confirmed compatible by manufacturer/competent person.
• confirming responsibilities where equipment is provided/owned by a service user or external body (e.g., local authority/NHS), including how defects are escalated and how safe alternatives are arranged.

8. Staff Training and Competence

Competent staff are essential for ensuring safe and effective moving and handling practices:

1. Induction Training:
   • All new staff complete mandatory moving and handling training during induction.
   • This training includes theory, practical skills, and competency assessments.
2. Annual Refresher Training:
   • Staff must attend refresher courses annually to maintain skills and knowledge.
   • Refresher sessions cover manual handling techniques, risk assessments, and equipment use.
3. Competency Assessments:
   • Staff must demonstrate competence before performing moving and handling tasks independently.
   • Competency checks are conducted regularly by supervisors.
   • Competency assessment must be role- and task-specific (for example: hoist transfers, stand aids, slide sheets, assisted walking, repositioning in bed/chair, and falls recovery). Additional competency checks will be completed after any incident or near miss, when new equipment is introduced, or when a person’s moving and handling plan changes significantly. Staff must not undertake high-risk transfers until they have been assessed and signed off as competent for that specific task.
4. Continuous Professional Development:
   • Staff are encouraged to attend external courses and workshops to enhance their skills.
   • Training records are maintained in each staff member’s personnel file.

9. Incident Reporting and Investigation

{{org_field_name}} has clear procedures for reporting and investigating moving and handling incidents:

1. Immediate Response:
   • If an incident occurs, staff must ensure the safety of the service user and themselves.
   • First aid is provided if needed, and emergency services are contacted for serious injuries.
2. Incident Reporting:
   • All moving and handling incidents, including near misses, must be reported immediately to the Care Manager.
   • An incident report form is completed, detailing the circumstances, observations, and actions taken.
3. Investigation and Follow-Up:
   • The Care Manager investigates incidents to identify root causes and implement preventative measures.
   • Risk assessments and care plans are updated as needed.
4. RIDDOR Reporting:
   • Where an incident meets the criteria for reporting under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) (i.e., it is work-related and results in a reportable injury, case of disease, or dangerous occurrence), the Registered Manager (or a delegated competent person) will ensure it is reported to the relevant enforcing authority within the required timescales. Reportable incidents must be reported without delay via the HSE reporting system. A written report must be submitted within 10 days of the incident. Over-seven-day incapacitation of a worker must be notified within 15 days of the accident.

Care Inspectorate notifications: Where an event meets notification requirements (for example: serious accident/incident/injury; significant equipment breakdown; or any event that materially affects people’s wellbeing and safety), the service will submit the appropriate notification to the Care Inspectorate in line with current guidance and record this in the service’s incident log.

Duty of Candour: Where an incident triggers the organisational Duty of Candour procedure (unexpected or unintended incident resulting in death or harm as defined in legislation), {{org_field_name}} will follow the Duty of Candour process, including notification/apology, meetings, learning review and written record.

10. Promoting Health and Wellbeing of Staff and Service Users

{{org_field_name}} prioritises the health and wellbeing of both service users and staff during moving and handling activities:

1. Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries:
   • Staff are trained to recognise early signs of strain or injury and report concerns promptly.
   • Regular breaks are encouraged to prevent fatigue.
2. Supporting Service Users’ Wellbeing:
   • Service users are moved in a way that ensures comfort and minimises distress.
   • Staff engage service users in mobility exercises to promote strength and flexibility.
3. Ergonomic Practices:
   • Workspaces are organised to promote ergonomic practices, such as adjusting bed heights and clearing pathways.

11. Monitoring and Quality Assurance

{{org_field_name}} ensures continuous improvement in moving and handling practices through robust monitoring and quality assurance processes:

1. Audits:
   • Regular audits assess adherence to risk assessments, care plans, and equipment maintenance schedules.
   • Findings are documented, and action plans are implemented to address any gaps.
   • Audits will include (as applicable): the completion and quality of moving and handling risk assessments and moving and handling plans; evidence that reviews occurred when trigger events arose (for example: falls, near misses, changes in mobility or health status, hospital admission/discharge, or changes to the environment/equipment); competency assessment and sign-off records; evidence that hoists and lifting accessories (including slings) are within their required LOLER thorough examination dates (where applicable); equipment maintenance and cleaning records; trends, themes and learning from incidents and near misses; and evidence of service user involvement, consent and agreement documented within the personal plan.
2. Spot Checks:
   • Unannounced spot checks are conducted to observe staff practices and ensure compliance with procedures.
3. Feedback:
   • Service users and families are encouraged to provide feedback on moving and handling practices.
   • Feedback informs service improvements and staff training.
4. Performance Reviews:
   • Moving and handling practices are discussed during staff supervision and annual appraisals.

12. Communication and Reporting

Clear communication ensures safe and consistent moving and handling practices:

1. Care Plan Handover:
   • Moving and handling plans are communicated to all staff involved in a service user’s care.
   • Handover meetings highlight any changes in mobility or equipment needs.
2. Daily Communication:
   • Staff report any concerns about moving and handling to the Care Manager.
   • Communication books and digital care records are updated after each shift.
3. Family Involvement:
   • Families are informed of any changes in moving and handling plans.
   • Education is provided to families on safe practices when assisting their loved ones.

13. Partnership Working

{{org_field_name}} collaborates with external professionals to ensure safe and effective moving and handling:

1. Healthcare Professionals:
   • Occupational therapists and physiotherapists are involved in risk assessments and care planning.
   • Recommendations from healthcare professionals are incorporated into moving and handling plans.
2. Equipment Providers:
   • {{org_field_name}} works with reputable equipment providers to ensure high-quality, well-maintained equipment.
3. Regulatory Bodies:
   • Regular communication with the Care Inspectorate ensures compliance with best practices and regulations.

14. Infection Prevention During Moving and Handling

To prevent cross-infection during moving and handling tasks, {{org_field_name}} follows strict hygiene protocols:

1. Hand Hygiene:
   • Staff perform hand hygiene before and after moving and handling tasks.
   • Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is available for use when handwashing facilities are unavailable.
2. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Gloves and aprons are worn when assisting with personal care tasks.
   • PPE is disposed of immediately after use in accordance with waste management procedures.
3. Equipment Cleaning:
   • Moving and handling equipment is cleaned and disinfected between uses.
   • Reusable items, such as slide sheets, are laundered regularly.

Where equipment is shared between service users, cleaning and/or decontamination must be completed between each use in line with current Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance and the manufacturer’s instructions. Reusable slide sheets and similar reusable textiles must be laundered at appropriate temperatures and frequencies to prevent cross infection and must be stored in a clean, dry manner between uses. Single-use items must never be reused and must be disposed of safely in accordance with waste procedures.

15. Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency during moving and handling, staff follow these procedures:

1. Fall or Injury:
   • Staff do not attempt to lift a fallen service user without appropriate equipment.
   • Emergency services are called if the service user is injured or unable to stand safely.
2. Equipment Failure:
   • If equipment fails during use, staff must stop the task immediately and seek assistance.
   • Faulty equipment is removed from use and reported for repair.
3. First Aid:
   • Staff provide first aid as needed and record the incident accurately.

16. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, best practices, or organisational needs. Updates will be communicated to all staff, and relevant training will be provided to ensure continued compliance. The policy will also be reviewed following any updates to Care Inspectorate sector guidance (including guidance on records services must keep and notifications) and any updates to relevant Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on moving and handling.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}}{{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.