Moving and Handling

For carers manual handling is a major source of back pain and injury.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act (2005) and the Manual Handling Regulations (1993) place an onus on employers to protect employees by ensuring they are trained in manual handling techniques and trained in the use of manual handling equipment if necessary. These regulations include employers that run nursing homes to a son or daughter who privately employ someone in their home to assist with their mother or father.

It is essential that the moving and handling of clients with severe mobility difficulties is completed in a manner that protects the client and the carer. It is essential that the manner in which the client ismoved is safe and comfortable for all involved John Brennan Occupational Therapy Services provide an expert training and prescription service for individual and institutional clients in the area of moving and handling. This could range from training in assisting the moving of an individual with minimal needs to training a carer in hoisting a client with complex needs.

John Brennan Occupational Therapy Services will complete a full needs assessment with the carer, advise on techniques for moving the client and give all of the necessary training in the simple or complex assistive devices for manual handling. Simple aids could include transfer belts, transfer boards and sliding sheets. More complex aids could include mobile hoists or sit to stand hoists.

Efficient and safe handling ensures that the carer is more likely to avoid stress, pain and injury.

Proper manual handling techniques enhances the safety, comfort and well being of the client.

Proficient manual handling requires expert manual handling training. Brennan OT Consultants have the expertise to assist you in developing your manual handling skills.