Appendix 1 – Carrying out risk assessments

(Adapted with gratitude from Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust Moving & Handling Policy (V2)

Risk assessments must be completed for any essential moving and handlings tasks that cannot reasonably practicably be avoided and should include elements of clinical reasoning, from which a management handling plan will be produced.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) insists that independent care providers conduct their own risk assessments but it would be good practice where multidisciplinary agency working is involved for risk assessments to be jointly completed.

 When making a moving and handling risk assessment, there are some factors that must be considered (TILEO):

• TASK
• INDIVIDUAL CAPABILITY
• LOAD
• ENVIRONMENT
• OTHER

The following factors must be considered as they will increase the risk of injury.  This list is not exhaustive and can be added to for specific work areas:

Task 

• • Is the load held at a distance from the trunk?
  • Does the task make it difficult to achieve correct posture?
  • Does the task involve twisting the trunk?
  • Are there combined factors?
  • Does the task involve excessive lifting or lowering distances?
  • Does the task involve excessive pushing and pulling?
  • Does the task involve any risk of sudden movement of the load?
  • Does the task involve frequent or prolonged physical effort?
  • Does the task involve insufficient rest or recovery periods?
  • Is the task being done while seated?
  • Is the load to be handled by a team?  (Working as a team may reduce the risk of injury but team handling must be properly planned)

Individual Capability 

• • Do handlers have experience with this task?
  • Does the task require unusual strength, height, etc.?
  • Does the task put at risk those who are pregnant or who have recently given birth?
  • Does the task require special knowledge or training for its safe performance?
  • Is the handler fit for the task?
  • Do uniform/clothing/shoes allow safe movement?
  • Do the handlers work well within a team?
  • Is the load heavy? What is the person’s weight?
  • Does the person have mental capacity?
  • Is the person able to reliably follow instructions?
  • Is the load bulky or unwieldy?
  • Is the load difficult to grasp?      
  • Is the load unpredictable?
  • Is the load unstable, or are its contents likely to shift?
  • Is the load sharp, hot or otherwise potentially damaging?
  • Does it involve lifting most or all of a person’s body weight?
  • How much can the individual assist?
  • Are they able to turn onto side? 
  • Do they have sitting balance?
  • Do they have head control?
  • Can they weight bear?
  • Does the person have equal weight distribution?

Environment

• • Are there space restraints preventing good posture?
  • Are there uneven, slippery or unstable floors?
  • Are there variations in floor levels or work surfaces?
  • Are there extremes of temperature, humidity or air movement?
  • Are there poor lighting conditions?

 Other 

• • Are there any other factors not mentioned above?

If the task cannot be avoided, steps should be taken to reduce the risk of injury by implementing safer systems of work. This includes the provision and use of equipment and an increase in number of people.  Employees should be involved with any redesign of systems of work.

 Staff should be aware that by not following Safe Systems of Work, disciplinary action could be taken.

The current risk assessment must be stored in the person’s file (electronic or paper, service dependant) and a copy to be provided to the relevant care agency/family member/ private carers, as appropriate.

Risk assessments should be reviewed in accordance with local working practices and policies or if there is reason to suspect that it is no longer valid; or where there has been a significant change in circumstances. Any changes should be recorded.

The aim is to eliminate hazardous moving and handling in all but exceptional or life-threatening circumstances.