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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 all moving and handling activities carried out by staff at {{org_field_name}} are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant legislation. This policy outlines best practices, staff responsibilities, training requirements, and risk management strategies to prevent injuries to both service users and care staff.

This policy is aligned with:

• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (MHOR) – Requires employers to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Places a duty on employers to ensure a safe working environment.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Ensures safe care practices within domiciliary care settings.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations – Mandate that regulated care providers implement effective risk assessments and safe handling techniques【35】.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees providing domiciliary care at {{org_field_name}}.
• Service users who require assistance with mobility, transfers, and repositioning.
• External professionals, contractors, and family members involved in moving and handling service users.

It covers:

• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Risk assessment procedures
• Best practices for safe moving and handling
• Use of specialist equipment
• Training and competency requirements
• Incident reporting and monitoring

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

To ensure compliance with CIW regulations and health and safety legislation, {{org_field_name}} is committed to:

• Conducting individual risk assessments before undertaking any moving and handling activities.
• Providing mandatory training and refresher courses for all staff.
• Using appropriate equipment to reduce manual handling risks.
• Reviewing and updating policies and procedures annually or in response to regulatory updates.

4. Risk Assessment Procedures

4.1 Initial Risk Assessment

Before any moving or handling activity takes place, an individual risk assessment must be conducted for each service user. This includes:

• Assessing mobility needs – Understanding the level of assistance required.
• Identifying health conditions – Checking for osteoporosis, arthritis, or other conditions affecting movement.
• Evaluating the environment – Ensuring there are no obstacles or hazards that could cause injury.
• Determining equipment needs – Identifying if hoists, slings, or transfer boards are necessary.

4.2 Ongoing Risk Reviews

• Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever a service user’s mobility changes.
• Any new risks identified during care provision must be reported to the Registered Manager for immediate action.

5. Best Practices for Safe Moving and Handling

5.1 General Handling Techniques

• Always encourage service users to be as independent as possible.
• Maintain a stable base and balanced posture when lifting or assisting movement.
• Avoid twisting or bending unnecessarily – Staff must use their legs, not their back, when lifting.
• Use two-person assistance where required to reduce strain on individual staff members.
• Plan the move before starting – Ensure all necessary equipment is in place.

5.2 Assisting Service Users with Mobility

• Sitting to Standing Transfers
  • Use verbal cues and gentle guidance to encourage independence.
  • Ensure feet are placed firmly on the ground before standing.
  • Use a handling belt where appropriate to provide additional support.
• Bed to Chair Transfers
  • Ensure the wheelchair or chair is locked and stable before transferring.
  • Position yourself to support the service user’s weight evenly.
  • Use slide sheets or transfer boards if necessary to minimise lifting.
• Using a Hoist for Transfers
  • Only trained staff should operate hoists.
  • Check sling size and compatibility with the service user’s needs.
  • Ensure that hoist batteries are charged and functioning before use.

5.3 Handling of Heavy Loads

• Avoid manual lifting where possible – use mechanical aids.
• If manual lifting is unavoidable, follow correct posture and lifting techniques.

6. Use of Specialist Equipment

6.1 Equipment for Safe Moving and Handling

To minimise risks, {{org_field_name}} provides and promotes the use of:

• Mobile hoists and ceiling track hoists.
• Stand aids and transfer boards.
• Handling belts and slide sheets.
• Adjustable beds and support rails.

6.2 Equipment Maintenance and Safety Checks

• All equipment must be checked before use to ensure it is in good working condition.
• Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately to the Registered Manager.
• Routine servicing and maintenance of hoists and mobility aids will be conducted in compliance with Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).

7. Training and Competency Requirements

7.1 Mandatory Moving and Handling Training

• All new staff members must complete accredited moving and handling training before assisting service users.
• Training covers:
  • Risk assessment techniques.
  • Manual handling principles.
  • Safe use of hoists and other mobility aids.
  • Emergency procedures for handling falls or sudden mobility loss.

7.2 Ongoing Competency Assessments

• Staff must complete annual refresher training to maintain their competency.
• Competency assessments include practical evaluations of moving and handling techniques.
• Staff who fail to demonstrate safe handling skills will receive additional support and retraining.

8. Incident Reporting and Monitoring

8.1 Reporting Moving and Handling Incidents

• Any injury, near-miss, or equipment failure must be reported immediately to the Registered Manager.
• An Incident Report Form must be completed detailing:
  • Date and time of the incident.
  • Service user/staff involved.
  • Nature of the incident and any injuries sustained.
  • Corrective actions taken to prevent recurrence.

8.2 Investigating Incidents and Preventing Recurrence

• The Registered Manager will conduct a full investigation to determine the root cause.
• Lessons learned will be shared with the team to improve safety measures.
• Risk assessments will be updated following any incident.

9. Monitoring and Compliance

• Regular audits will be conducted to assess compliance with moving and handling procedures.
• Service user feedback will be gathered to ensure safe and comfortable care.
• CIW inspections will assess moving and handling practices as part of regulatory compliance checks【35】.

10. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16).
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (DCW13)【34】.
• Medication Management and Administration Policy (DCW21) (for service users requiring medication post-mobility support).

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative updates, CIW regulations, or operational needs. Staff will be informed of any updates, and additional training will be provided as necessary.

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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.