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Moving and Handling Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all moving and handling activities within our care home are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 – Safe Care and Treatment. We are committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of both the people we support and our staff by implementing best practices in manual handling techniques, training, and risk assessments.

Our care home recognises that incorrect moving and handling practices can lead to serious injuries for both staff and individuals receiving care. This policy ensures that:

• People we support receive assistance safely, respectfully, and in a way that promotes their independence.
• Staff are fully trained and competent in moving and handling techniques, reducing the risk of injury.
• Appropriate equipment is used and maintained properly to support safe moving and handling.
• Legal and regulatory obligations, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, and CQC standards, are met.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all:

• Staff members, including permanent, temporary, agency workers, and volunteers.
• People we support, ensuring they are moved safely and with dignity.
• Visitors, external healthcare professionals, and contractors working within our care home.

It covers all manual handling and moving techniques, including:

• Assisting individuals in and out of bed, chairs, and wheelchairs.
• Supporting mobility and movement with or without equipment.
• Lifting, repositioning, and transferring individuals.
• Using hoists, transfer belts, slings, and other mobility aids.

3. Related Policies

This policy is closely linked with:

• CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy, ensuring that moving and handling procedures protect service users from harm.
• CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy, covering workplace safety obligations.
• CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy, ensuring that moving and handling practices adhere to infection control measures.
• CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy, assessing and mitigating risks associated with moving and handling.
• CH27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy, ensuring staff competency in moving and handling.

4. Policy Statement

Our organisation is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and efficient moving and handling environment. To achieve this, we:

• Ensure that all moving and handling activities comply with legal and regulatory standards.
• Prioritise person-centred care, allowing people we support to participate as much as possible in their movement.
• Provide regular staff training and competency assessments.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify and minimise potential hazards.
• Ensure that all moving and handling equipment is well-maintained, clean, and used appropriately.
• Encourage open communication, allowing staff to report concerns about moving and handling practices.

5. Implementation – How We Manage Moving and Handling Efficiently

5.1 Conducting Risk Assessments

Before carrying out any moving and handling activity, a comprehensive risk assessment must be conducted. This includes:

• Assessing the individual’s physical and cognitive condition, including mobility limitations, pain levels, and communication needs.
• Determining the safest method of movement, considering whether the person can move independently or requires assistance.
• Identifying environmental hazards, such as slippery floors, obstacles, or inadequate space.
• Evaluating staff capability and training, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out the task safely.
• Reviewing and updating risk assessments regularly, particularly when an individual’s needs change.

Each person we support must have an individualised moving and handling plan included in their care plan, detailing:

• Preferred movement techniques.
• Required assistance level (one-person or two-person assist).
• Specific equipment needed, such as hoists or slings.
• Any medical conditions affecting mobility.

5.2 Staff Training and Competency

To ensure staff can carry out moving and handling safely, all employees are required to complete:

• Mandatory moving and handling training during induction.
• Annual refresher training to maintain competency.
• Specialist training for staff using mechanical aids (e.g., hoists, transfer belts).
• Supervised practical assessments to ensure staff can apply their knowledge correctly.

Training covers:

• Principles of safe manual handling – correct body posture, load assessment, and movement techniques.
• How to use mobility aids safely, including hoists, slings, slide sheets, transfer boards, and handling belts.
• Techniques for minimising risk, including team lifting and communication with the individual being moved.
• Recognising and responding to distress or discomfort during movement.

Supervisors regularly observe staff to ensure compliance with best practices, providing feedback and further training where necessary.

5.3 Using Equipment Safely

Our care home provides a comprehensive range of moving and handling equipment to assist staff and reduce the risk of injury for both carers and the people we support. The use of appropriate equipment ensures safe and dignified movement, minimising discomfort and promoting independence wherever possible.

Types of Moving and Handling Equipment Provided

We ensure that the following specialist equipment is available and used appropriately based on individual needs:

• Mobile or Ceiling Track Hoists – Used for lifting, transferring, and repositioning individuals who cannot bear their own weight safely. Ceiling track hoists are installed in designated areas for seamless and comfortable transfers, while mobile hoists provide flexibility in various locations.
• Transfer Belts (Handling Belts) – These assist individuals who require support to stand or transfer between surfaces but can partially bear their weight. These belts provide secure handholds for staff, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
• Slide Sheets – Used for repositioning individuals in bed without excessive friction or dragging, reducing discomfort and the risk of skin damage. These sheets enable staff to move individuals with minimal force, enhancing both safety and dignity.
• Adjustable Beds and Chairs – Beds with variable height settings allow for safer transfers and repositioning, reducing strain on staff and ensuring comfort for individuals. Adjustable chairs offer postural support and ease of movement, accommodating mobility limitations and comfort preferences.

We conduct individual assessments to determine which equipment is required for each person we support. These assessments are reviewed regularly to ensure equipment remains suitable as needs change.

Ensuring Safe and Effective Equipment Use

To maintain high safety standards, all moving and handling equipment must be used in compliance with manufacturer instructions and health and safety regulations. The following procedures are in place to ensure safe and effective use:

• Comprehensive Staff Training
  • All staff receive mandatory hands-on training before being authorised to use any moving and handling equipment.
  • Refresher training is provided annually or more frequently if there are updates in best practices or new equipment introduced.
  • Staff must demonstrate competence in using equipment before assisting individuals independently.
  • Training includes understanding weight limits, correct positioning techniques, emergency stop functions, and troubleshooting mechanical issues.
• Daily Pre-Use Equipment Checks
  • Before each use, staff must visually inspect equipment for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or operational issues.
  • Any faulty, malfunctioning, or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately.
  • Equipment such as hoists must be checked for secure sling attachments and proper battery function to prevent failures during transfers.
• Routine Maintenance and Servicing
  • All equipment is routinely serviced in line with manufacturer recommendations and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintenance logs are updated after every inspection and servicing.
  • Equipment requiring repairs is immediately removed from use, and alternative solutions are arranged.
  • A designated maintenance team or external service provider is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and servicing equipment as required.
• Safe Storage and Accessibility
  • All moving and handling equipment is stored in designated areas to prevent obstruction and ensure quick accessibility when needed.
  • Hoists and slide sheets are stored in locations that are easily accessible but do not pose tripping hazards.
  • Transfer belts must be sanitised and stored correctly to maintain hygiene and prevent wear.
• Informing People We Support and Their Families
  • Before using any moving and handling equipment, we explain its purpose and function to the individual and, where applicable, their family or legal representatives.
  • We provide demonstrations to alleviate anxiety, particularly for those unfamiliar with hoists or other mobility aids.
  • Individuals are encouraged to participate in decision-making regarding their movement, ensuring they feel safe, comfortable, and in control.

5.4 Promoting Dignity and Independence

Moving and handling must always be conducted with respect for the individual’s dignity and autonomy. Staff must:

• Explain every step before beginning the movement, gaining consent.
• Encourage individuals to participate as much as possible in their own movement.
• Use a calm, reassuring tone to reduce anxiety.
• Provide privacy where appropriate, ensuring that movement is not performed in an undignified manner.

Where possible, assistive technology (e.g., electronic hoists) is used to increase independence and reduce manual handling risks.

5.5 Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Any incidents, near misses, or concerns regarding moving and handling must be reported immediately. Staff should:

• Complete an incident report form, detailing what happened and any injuries sustained.
• Notify the Registered Manager, who will investigate the incident and implement corrective actions.
• Review risk assessments and procedures to prevent future incidents.

All moving and handling concerns should be reported to:

• Registered Manager: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
• Email: {{org_field_registered_manager_email}}
• Phone: {{org_field_registered_manager_phone}}

6. Compliance with CQC Standards

This policy ensures compliance with:

• Regulation 12 – Safe Care and Treatment, requiring that risks from unsafe moving and handling are minimised.
• Regulation 10 – Dignity and Respect, ensuring individuals are moved with care and consideration.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, protecting employees from workplace injuries.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, outlining best practices for safe manual handling.

7. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

• There are changes in legislation or best practice guidelines.
• A moving and handling incident occurs, requiring policy updates.
• Staff or people we support raise concerns regarding current practices.

The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring all moving and handling practices remain safe, compliant, and continuously improved.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
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