2. 1 Describe how legislation and agreed ways of working affect working practices related to moving and positioning individuals, Every time a care worker moves or supports the weight of a service user they are manually handling that person. Unsafe moving and handling techniques can result in injury to either the care worker or the person they are assisting to move. To reduce the risk of injury to the care workers and the people being supported legislations are put in place to protect people.
The health and safety at work act 1974 makes it a legal requirement for employers to ensure that the health and safety and welfare of their employees is maintained and the employees have a duty to take reasonable care of the health,safety and welfare of themselves and others. Also we need to respect the individual and include them in their own care we must also follow our work settings policies and procedures and each individual will have there own care plan (agreed ways of working) which we must adhere to.
We also need to make sure that our moving and handling training is up to date as this is also a required legislation and should be renewed on a yearly basis this helps us to make sure that we move and position residents correctly also it allows us to be informed of any new regulations that may be coming into affect and also refreshes us on how to use the equipment correctly ie hoist,manga,rotunda etc. 2. 2 Describe what health and safety factors need to be taken into account when moving and positioning individuals and any equipment used to do this.
There are a number of health and safety factors that we need to consider before attempting to move or position residents you need to plan what you are going to do these factors include the activity the enviroment the person being moved or positioned, yourself and others and the equipment to be used, so if you are going to use a hoist you need to make sure that it is in fully working order before each use if you are using a slide sheet if an individual is bed bound and positions need to be changed or you are moving them up the bed then you need to make sure that there are no tears or edges are not frayed this also includes a sling to be checked in his way, you also need to make sure that there is enough space for manouvering
the hoist and that you are able to move around safely without wires trailing across the floor,but also remember the person that you are moving or positioning you need to consider them what can they do for themselves how much support do they require are there any medical devices attached to the resident like catheter bags intravenous drips or wound drains and also the persons weight. You must remember that before any activity or moving and handling is to be carried out that you have received the correct training correct clothing is being worn the enviroment is safe any equipment is safe and clean you have the required help if needed and you are involving the person being moved.
