Preparing for safe moves

The person

Some people can help move themselves. If the person can move themselves, there may be no need for employees to help them move. The risk of hazardous manual handling can be eliminated. Consider the following questions when assessing whether this is the case.

• Can the person move themselves?
• Can the person stand unsupported?
• Can the person balance themselves?
• Does the person have a history of falls?
• Can the person move their own body when on a bed?
• What is the person’s medical condition?
• Has medication been prescribed that may impair the person’s function?
• Can the person carry their own weight?
• Is the person in pain?
• Is the person’s hearing impaired?
• Can the person understand instructions and cooperate?
• Is the person’s vision impaired?
• Is the person tired or sleepy?
• Is the person attached to a medical device?

If the person is unable to move themselves safely, suitable furniture and mechanical aids may be needed to move them.

Employee factors

Employee factors to consider include the following.

• Are employees with adequate training and experience available to complete the move?
• Are employees aware of hazardous manual handling risks and how to avoid musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)?
• Is the employee working alone?
• Is the employee physically able to help the person move?
• Does the employee need supervision while performing the move?
• Is the move urgent or can it be done slowly?
• Can employees stop the task if the person resists or is obstructive?
• Do employees know what mechanical aids or assistive devices to use?

System of work

Employers must provide and maintain for their employees systems that are safe and without risks to health. This includes systems for moving people. The systems should include procedures that do the following.

• Ensure a person’s care plan is checked for a risk assessment before any move. The risk assessment should include information about:
  • the risks of falls
  • the person’s pain levels
  • the person’s cognition
  • any prescribed medication
  • the environment
  • mechanical aids or assistive devices needed
  • staff resourcing.

The care plan should be reviewed regularly.

• Require consultation with the person being moved.
• Provide guidance for assessing the person’s current condition and ability to help with the move.
• Confirm the risk assessment in the care plan reflects the person’s current condition. Ensure there are processes for reassessment and risk escalation if needed. Some equipment can be a ligature risk. If used, this equipment needs to be documented on the person’s care plan.
• Ensure care plans are updated as required and in line with organisational procedure.
• Include steps for preparing and informing the person about the move.
• Require planning of the path and confirmation the path is clear and safe.
• Ensure safe set-up of the environment. This includes considering other hazards, for example, wet surfaces, carpet, cords and mats.
• Confirm the person’s weight and dimensions do not exceed the load limit or person envelope of mechanical aids.
• Ensure mechanical aids are ready for moves.
• Ensure mechanical aids are regularly inspected and maintained.

Environment

Environmental factors to consider include the following.

• Has the environment been prepared for the move?
• Have obstacles been removed?
• Is there a clear path to the destination?
• Is the furniture in good condition, does it function correctly and is it suitable for use?

Mechanical aids and assistive devices

Before moving people using mechanical aids or assistive devices, consider the following factors.

• Is the mechanical aid or assistive device appropriate for the task?
• Does the mechanical aid or assistive device display its safe weight and dimensions limits for people-handling?
• Can employees easily identify the safe limits of the mechanical aid or assistive device?
• Does the mechanical aid or assistive device accommodate the person’s dimensions?
• Is the safe weight limit of the mechanical aid or assistive device appropriate for the task?
• Is the mechanical aid or assistive device in good working condition?
• Is it easy for employees to identify if the mechanical aid or device is in good working condition and has been maintained?
• Are there back-up battery packs available if required?
• Has the mechanical aid or assistive device been maintained and inspected as specified in the requirements?
• Are aids such as slide sheets functional? Immediately replace slide sheets that do not slip, are damaged or are worn out.
• Has the employee been trained to:
  • safely use the mechanical aid or assistive device?
  • troubleshoot if equipment fails?

Using hoists and slings

Hoists are a commonly used mechanical aid that come in various types, including:

• mobile hoists used with slings
• wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted hoists with overhead tracking.

They come with various attachments.