As we discussed in last month’s article, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is putting itself behind a campaign called Go Home Healthy.

The HSE wants employers to do the right thing by their employers so that they can go home healthy every day. It is pushing for more focus on eliminating risk as well as aiming to significantly improve how the main triggers of workplace ill-health are prevented and how exposure to them is controlled. These main triggers have been identified by the HSE as work-related lung disease; work-related stress, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

As we outlined in the previous article, as many as nine million working days are lost each year due to MSDs. We looked at one case study involving manual handling where workers were complaining of back injuries. On investigation it came to light that a combination of poor handling practice and failure to consider solutions such as lifting aids had contributed to the ill health of the workers. Thankfully, solutions were created and, as a result, the risk of back injuries was reduced in that particular working environment.

Health and Social Care Workers at Risk

The handling of inanimate objects is of course a major risk factor in any workplace. However, the handling and moving of people should be given equal attention. Anyone involved in the health and social care sector is going to be at risk of injury in this respect.

As the HSE says, poor moving and handling practice can lead to back pain and MSDs, resulting in an inability to work; it can lead to accidents which can injure both the person being moved AND the handler, and it can cause discomfort and a lack of dignity for the person being moved.

The HSE stresses that action must be taken to prevent of minimise the risk of injury. This action must it says include, amongst other important things, risk assessments and arrangements for training and the provision of appropriate lifting aids.

People Handling Training

People handling training from Alistair Bromhead Ltd ensures that handlers are competent in conducting their own dynamic risk assessments; that they choose the correct method of movement and are able to safely use any equipment required to control the risk.

Our courses can be fully adapted where required in order to suit specific needs. Relevant training is always the most effective, and when it is conducted in the workplace using the actual lifting aids available to handlers, and in the surroundings where the lifting will actually be undertaken, participants are certain to learn and retain information at a greater level of efficiency.

Our training is designed to motivate staff and show them the importance and benefits of correct people handling procedure. We incorporate practical, hands-on activities including both conscious and unconscious patient handling; the use of manual handling aids and the turning of patients.

We have designed people handling courses for a range of sectors, including the Ambulance Service, operating theatre staff and many more.

Our courses in people handling are offered across the UK and are delivered by our team of highly experienced trainers. For a full course outline and to check course availability in your area, simply register with us using the form on our people moving and handling course page.