NO LIFT, NO INJURY Safe Manual Handling practices for Home & Community Care, residential & disability care.

NO LIFT, NO INJURY

Safe Manual Handling practices for Home & Community Care, residential & disability care.

SESSION 1

Items to be delivered in Manual Handling Sessions

1. Definition – Manual Handling 2. Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act3. Legislative acts4. Workplace procedures that apply to fire, accidents and emergency

situations5. Identify Hazards6. Identify Risks7. DVD on Hazards and Risks8. Posture and handling techniques9. Understanding your back and your body10. Applying the principles of body mechanics11. Principles of Manual Handling12. Video on Manual Handling practical techniques13. Practical and Assessment

2.1 Definition – Manual Handling

Manual Handling:- means any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry or otherwise move, hold or restrain any person animal or thing.

2.2.1 OHS & W (Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare)

Why do we train? Employer’s duties under the act. Employee’s duties under the act Legislative acts Hazard’s and risk assessment.

Employers’ Duties under the OHS & W Act (Section 19)

Every employer has a duty to “ensure so far as is reasonably practicable’’ that every employee is safe from injury and risks to health in their working environment. In particular, employers must, so far as is reasonably practicable:

OHS & W Act (section 19)

Provide a safe working environment

Provide safe systems of work Provide safe plant and

equipment Identify, assess and control

manual handling hazards Provide information,

instruction, training and supervision

Provide suitable training for managers and supervisors

Address reported hazards Monitor health and safety of

employees Develop OHS &W policies and

procedures Consult with staff re: OHS & W

eg manual handling Plan and implement OHS & W

programs

Employees’ Duties under the OHS & W Act (Section 21) Employees must take reasonable care to protect

their own health and safety and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work

Employees responsibility for health and safety only extends to things that they have control over. However, employees must co-operate with their employer in ensuring health and safety in the workplace.

OHS & W Act (Section 21)

Maintain own safety and not endanger others

Follow policies and procedures

Follow reasonable instructions

Use equipment provided

Assist in the identification, assessment and control process

Report any incidents or hazards

Consider and provide feedback on OHS & W matters

Not be affected by drugs or alcohol

Legislative Acts

The Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare Act. Approved Codes of Practice made under the

Act. The Occupational Health and Safety and

Welfare Regulations.

* Reference: page 7 of manual handling booklet.

Workplace Procedures that apply to fire, accidents and emergency situations.

Reference: Covered in unit CHOHS302A Participate in safety procedures for direct care work In the Home and Community care Training Package (CHC30202)

2.2.2 What is a Hazard?

A hazard is an present or potential danger, which is visible or not visible to you.

The Environment e.g. uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, dangerous equipment or tasks.

Substances e.g. poisons, gases, corrosives.

Methods e.g. incorrect lifting procedures or ignoring universal precautions.

Or machines e.g. faulty lifting equipment.

Hazard Reporting System

Informal, verbal reports to an immediate supervisor

Completion of specific forms for hazards All hazards must be reported immediately Handout Hazard Identification Form

2.2.5 What is a risk?

A risk is the probability of a person becoming affected by the danger (hazard) and the severity, damage or cost of that event.

RISK = Probability + Consequence

2.2.6 Risk Assessment

Actions and movements Workplace and

workstation layout Working posture and

position Duration and frequency

of Manual Handling Location of loads and

distances moved Weights and forces

Characteristics of loads and equipment

Work organisation Work environment Skills and experience Personal characteristics Clothing

Where a risk factor has been identified the employer and employee must ensure that an assessment of the risk is undertaken to determine the level of risk involved. There risk factors would need to include:

2.2.4 Client risk assessment

Assess the person’s cognitive ability. Check the nursing care plan for what the individual

person requires when being moved e.g. mechanical aids.

Assess the person prior to moving to ensure that their condition has not changed.

Assess the person’s ability to assist with the move. Assess the implications of the weight of the person. Assess your physical capability of carrying our the task.

DVD (Hazards And Risks)

Now its time for a short DVD explaining hazards and risks in your job, what you need to know and what you need to look for. It will also explain how to report and record them for your clients’ safety, your own safety and for ongoing best practice.

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU KNOW

YOUR OWN LIMITATIONS AND

ALWAYS WORK WITHIN YOUR OWN

CAPACITY

Activity 1

Now its over to you for a fun and interesting exercise.

Matching task In small groups see if you can match up

the different types of hazards and risks How did we go?

3.1 Posture

Good posture, you need to practice. Maintain a straight back at all times. Ensure strong abdominals and back muscles. Power with legs and arms. Wide base. 24 hour back care at all times is essential e.g sleeping.

What contributes to bad posture?

Obesity Pregnancy Weak muscles High-heeled shoes

Tight muscles; decreased flexibility

Poor work environment Poor sitting and standing

habits

Proper Posture Requirements

Good muscle flexibility Normal motion in the joints Strong postural muscles A balance of muscles on both sides of the

spine Awareness of proper posture which leads

to conscious correction

Driving Posture

Place the seat so arms are slightly bent at the elbows

Place the seat so that your legs do not push the edge of the car seat down when using pedals

To support your lower back a rolled up towel can be used

Activity 2

Posture exercise 1 Sitting in you seat place both feet on the ground Place your hands on your thighs Close your eyes Gently draw in your lower abdominal muscles

and hold Open your eyes and look at classmates posture

Activity 3

Posture exercise 2 Grab a light book or folder Stand up Place book or folder on your head Slowly walk around the room chanting “no lift, no

injury” How long did you manage to keep the book or

folder on your head for?

Handling Techniques (when lifting a load)1. Keep your neck straight.2. Verify the weight of the load:• Test the weight of the load by

attempting to shift the load with your foot.

• If you doubt that the load is within your lifting capacity, ask for assistance.

3. Ensure that your muscles are warm and that a lifting activity is not the very first activity of the day:

• Keep your back straight and bend down at the knees.

Handling Techniques (when lifting a load)

4. Grip and hold the load as close to the body as possible.

5. Raise the load up by keeping your back straight.

6. Slowly straightening your legs.

7. Shift the weight of the load towards your body.

8. Keep the load close to your body throughout the lift.

9.Carry the load checking that the pathway in front is clear.

Handling Techniques (when lowering a load)

When placing the load down ensure you keep the load close to your body to protect your back and neck muscles.

When lowering the load to floor level:

1. Keep your back straight and bend at the knees.

2. Holding the load close to your body place the load down.

3. Stand up keeping your back straight and slowly straightening your legs.

Activity 4

Your turn Split into 2 groups Lets have a go at lifting, transporting and

lowering a box correctly How did you go?

Understanding your back and body

The human spine is made up of separate bones called vertebrae which are attached to one another. The spinal column is divided into sections.

Cervical Spine

Cervical spine or neck which consists of 7 relatively small bones.

Thoracic Spine

Thoracic spine or mid back which consists of 12 bones.

Lumber Spine

Lumber spine or low back which consists of 5 large bones.

Sacrum

Sacrum wedge shaped bone which consists of 4 bones fused together.

Coccyx

Coccyx or tail bone attached to the end of the spine.

Discs

Discs are pads made up of a stiff jelly like substance contained in a strong cartilaginous envelope which separate the vertebra from one and another. They are primarily shook absorbers.

Ligaments

Ligaments are strong, slightly elastic bands, which join the vertebrae together and assist in supporting the vertebral column.

Tendons

Tendons are slightly more elastic than ligaments and connect the muscles to the vertebrae.

Back muscle structure

The back muscles are attached to the spinal column, pelvis and extremities. They serve to provide additional support to the back and neck. Strong muscles surround the spine and work together to keep the back supported and balanced.

The Spinal Cord and Nerves The spinal cord begins at the base of

the brain and runs down the spine to the lower back.

It is protected within the spinal canal; a bony arch formed by each of the vertebral bones.

Between every two vertebral bones, two nerves exit the spinal canal. One is on the left and another is on the right.

If there is a ruptured disc, it will pinch the nerve.

Activity 5

Discuss in small groups Back Injuries that you or someone you Know have had. For example:

How did it impact on your life? How did it impact on your family and friends? Now together lets share our thoughts on back

injuries

Applying the principles of body mechanics

Manipulate the centre of gravity Pivot on the hips Follow normal movement patterns

Correctly applying the principles of body mechanics whilst performing Manual Handling is important if you are to minimise the risk of accident or injury.

*Reference: Refer to Manual Handling booklet page 40

Principles Of Manual Handling

1. Identify, read and understand Manual Handling Plan.

2. Prepare for the transfer / procedure.

3. Self and environment.

4. Communicate with client and assistant.

5. Maintain correct (strong) posture

6. Maintain correct (safe) coordinated movement.

7. Ensure that the dignity & privacy, comfort, skin integrity and self-esteem of the client are upheld at all times.

* Reference: Refer to pages 42, 43 & 44 of Manual Handling Booklet

Assisting Client Up / Down Stairs

Stand at the side of the client when going up the stairs Ask client to step up with good leg first Stand at the side of the client when going down the

stairs Ask the client to step down with the bad leg first Use rails for extra support

* REMEMBER: Good leg to heaven. Bad leg to hell.

Vacuuming, Sweeping and Mopping

Always move your feet in the direction of movement

Do not twist your spine Place hose around your back and hold in close to

the side of your waist Transfer your weight from back leg to front leg in a

lunging position Mop backwards and forwards (dependant on style

of mop) Side to side mopping should involve a dancing

approach rather than a twist of the spine (dependant on the style of the mop)

Walking Aids

Quad Sticks Walking Sticks Rollator Frames 4 wheeled walkers

Video

Grab your popcorn and your choc top. It’s movie time!

To finish today’s session lets watch a short video demonstrating some Manual Handling techniques to prepare us for our next session.

Additional Resources

Safe work SA: www.safework.sa.gov.au Australian Safety and Compensation

Council (ASCC) : www.ascc.gov.au/ascc/healthsafety/hazardssafetyissues/manualtasks

Homework

Read Manual Handling Booklet Complete activities on pages 12,19 & 34 Complete questions 2 & 3 on page 57 Complete question 5 on page 58 Complete questions 9,10 & 11 on page 60 Complete question 12 on page 61 Complete question 16 on page 62 Complete Hazard Identification Form

SESSION 2

Practical and Assessment

Stand Transfer1. One person2. Two personMechanical Lifter (full lifter)1. Bed to chair2. Chair to bedMechanical Lifter (stand Lifter)1. Bed to chair2. Chair to bedAssist from Floor1. Client can assist2. Mechanical Lifter

Practical and Assessment

Walking1. One person assist2. Two person assistRepositioning in chair1. Hip shuffle2. Slide sheetCar Transfers1. Assisting client in a car2. Assisting client out of carWheelchairs1. In and out of car boot2. Up and down kerb

Practical and Assessment

Bed Maneuvers1. Rolling2. Moving up in bed-slide

sheet, other3. Sitting up in bed- slide sheet4. Slide sheet direct vs non

direct contact5. Lying to sitting (1&2 assist6. Sitting to lying (1&2 assist)