Moving and handling is part of everyday life in most residential and nursing care environments.

Staff may help residents stand, reposition in bed, transfer between surfaces, use mobility equipment or complete everyday activities.

When these tasks aren’t properly planned or carried out, both residents and employees can be put at risk.

HSE states that poor moving and handling can contribute to musculoskeletal problems among staff and can cause accidents, injury, discomfort and loss of dignity for the person being supported.

Understanding common moving and handling risks in care homes is an important part of preventing problems.

1. Using an outdated handling plan

A resident’s mobility may change because of illness, injury, deterioration, recovery or other changes in health.

A technique that was appropriate several months ago may therefore no longer be suitable.

Individual assessments should be reviewed periodically and whenever a person’s needs change.

Staff should also know how to report changes rather than simply continuing with the established routine.

2. Using the wrong equipment

Moving and handling equipment needs to match the individual and the task.

Using the wrong hoist, sling or aid can increase rather than reduce risk.

HSE’s care-home guidance specifically warns about incorrect sling types, incorrect sling sizes and incompatibility between hoists and slings.

Equipment should be selected through assessment and used in line with care plans and manufacturer instructions.

3. Unsafe or improvised techniques

Time pressure can sometimes lead staff to use shortcuts.

But attempting an unplanned transfer, manually lifting somebody where appropriate equipment should be used or changing an agreed technique without assessment can introduce significant risks.

Training should provide practical opportunities for employees to learn appropriate techniques and have unsafe practices identified and corrected.

4. Incorrect staffing

Some tasks can be completed safely by one appropriately trained person. Others may require two or more members of staff.

The number required should be determined through assessment rather than applying a blanket rule.

HSE advises considering the individual, task, environment, equipment and people performing the handling activity.

5. Poor working environments

Space matters.

Cluttered bedrooms, unsuitable furniture positions, restricted access and awkward working heights can all make moving and handling more difficult.

Generic risk assessments should therefore consider the physical environment alongside staffing, equipment and the types of handling task carried out.

6. Equipment that hasn’t been properly checked

A hoist or sling should not be used simply because it is available.

Damage, wear, incorrect assembly or inadequate maintenance can create serious risks.

Equipment used to lift people is subject to inspection and examination requirements, and staff should know how to identify and report potential problems.

7. Training without ongoing monitoring

Completing a training course should not be the end of a care home’s moving and handling arrangements.

Managers should monitor whether staff continue to use appropriate techniques and equipment and identify where further instruction, supervision or refresher training may be required.

Effective moving and handling requires good assessments, suitable equipment, competent employees and consistent everyday practice.

TJS Solutions provides practical Moving & Handling Training for care homes and other Health & Social Care organisations, helping teams develop greater confidence and safer working practices.

Speak to TJS Solutions about Moving & Handling Training for your care home team.

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