Many things need safety procedures, whether you are at home, at work, or when you are out. Good safety practices keep you healthy and can prevent possible accidents. Moreover, all activities are likely to create risk, especially when you need to move or lift things. That is why taking the right steps can help you minimise injuries. This is when moving and handling training is important for you, especially in the workplace.
This article will help you explore its definition, its importance, and its benefits. You will also learn about its 5 key principles of manual handling. If you aspire to work in a healthcare area, this information can benefit you! Keep on reading!
What is moving and handling training?
Moving and handling training is a specialised instruction to teach individuals ways to lift, move, carry, push, and pull loads or people safely. This preparation prevents injuries for everyone involved in the activities. It includes the person doing the move and the person or item being handled. Additionally, people can use special equipment for these activities.
Moreover, ignoring these moving and handling skills may lead to serious injuries. In worst cases, a victim can become paralysed due to bad techniques. Improper lifting method can cause nervous system problems. It then led to spinal fractures, ligament damage, and spinal cord compressions. This is why proper and practical skills are important for preventing health problems.
The importance of moving and handling training
The importance of moving and handling training is to minimise the harm to individuals and the object or partner they are with. If you are the one who does the job, this training can equip you with the knowledge to perform task safety. Thus, it helps reduce the risk of back injuries and other nervous system.
In addition, the proper technique can minimise long-term disabilities. This training also helps everyone work in the healthcare area to do the tasks confidently. As a result, the risk of injuries is decreased, which can lead to significant cost savings. An organisation or workplace that requires this coaching means that they are abiding by health and safety statutes and laws.
What are the 5 key principles of manual handling?
There are five main rules for safe manual handling. These rules help you move things without getting hurt. They focus on how you prepare, how you hold the item, and how you move your body. Following these steps helps both you and the person or object you are moving stay safe. It makes sure you do the job right every time.
First, plan the lift. Think about the path and if you need help. Second, take a stable position. Stand close to the load with feet apart. Third, get a firm hold. Use your whole hand, not just your fingertips. Fourth, keep the load close. Hold it near your body's centre. Fifth, move smoothly. Avoid jerking or twisting your back. Below are more details of each principle:
Principle 1: Plan
The initial task you must do is to assess your route path and consider the shape and size of the object. Ensures that your travel route is clear and free from obstacles that may hinder your lifting or moving activities. Another important thing is to check whether the destination has enough space. Is the place in good condition? For example, is it wet, dry, or has low lighting?
Principle 2: Position
The next principle is positioning your body and feet correctly before the execution. Ensure you already grip the object perfectly. To do this, you can dry your hands or use additional equipment like gloves. You can start with your feet apart from each other to provide stability. Then, you can bend your knees but avoid bending your back to the ground. Lastly, place your torso as close as possible to the centre of the object.
Principle 3: Pick
After that, you have to ensure that the things you hold are in the power zone, between mid chest and mid thigh. While doing the attempt, try not to make sudden movements. Do not make yourself too stiff while lifting or moving the objects. With this technique, you can do the job more easily and with less effort.
Principle 4: Proceed
Once you already picked the object, you have to move or lift it to the selected destination. While doing this step, ensure you have a clear good sight of your directions. If it is not possible, you can ask for your friend’s guidance. Additionally, if you need to turn, do not twist your waist. Instead, you can move your feet first to the intended spot.
Principle 5: Place
Lastly, it is time to place the items. It is better if you don’t just drop everything to the ground. It may fall onto your feet. Instead, you can lower your body by using your knees. Again, do not bend your back. After you reach a good height between your object and the ground, you can place it slowly. You can stand up by slowly rising your body, without bending your back to the ground.
The benefit of moving and handling training
The benefits of moving and handling training are, of course, to prevent injuries, protect from harm, and develop lifting and moving competencies. This stops painful strains, sprains, and back problems from happening. The training truly protects from harm by teaching how to avoid dangerous situations. It keeps everyone much safer during daily tasks.
This training benefits both healthcare workers and people who receive care. Moreover, you build vital skills and gain the ability to do complex tasks safely. This means you become highly skilled in your work. It also teaches you to properly support mobility use. You learn how to help people use wheelchairs or hoists the right way. This supports their independence and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, moving and handling training is important for everyone who lifts and moves objects. It teaches techniques that go beyond just avoiding accidents and health issues. There are five key principles that you can follow to perform a task safely. These are plan, position, pick, process and place. By following this proper approach, you can contribute to protecting the object or person you work with.
If you aspire to work in this field or related to it, you can join the College of Contract Management UK. We provide you online course including the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care. In this unit, you will gain specialised knowledge such as policies and strategies in healthcare settings. By the end of the class, you can claim your certificate and applicable knowledge for real-life situations.
