Manual handling

Health and Safety coordinator - Carol Richardson

Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended 2002) (MHOR)

This policy is intended to help reduce the risk of manual handling injuries and to provide guidance on the measures that should be taken to ensure safe manual handling at the workplace.

Clophill Preschool Ltd aims:

  • to enable staff to work safely and competently when working with children

  • to ensure that systems of work and the working environment are as safe as possible

  • to remove where possible and reduce the risk of injury incurred through moving and handling

We are a pack away setting which entails getting out and putting away trollies, tables, chairs etc. Outdoors, there may be times when there are logs or wheelbarrows etc need to be moved.  

Children are sometimes asked to help pack away, this would be minimal and decided on by staff assessing the children and the job in hand, children are never asked/allowed to handle large or heavy furniture on their own and never allowed in the storage cupboards.

Staff must consider the manual handling techniques in this policy before embarking upon any such handling and assess the task before allowing children to safely do so whether with adult assistance or not. Children should be taught the same correct techniques for lifting and handling as staff.    

Staff are shown how to fold, carry and put away furniture etc in the setting.

Staff are discouraged from picking up any child unless absolutely necessary. Staff are shown how to manoeuvre and work all equipment safely.

If staff feel unsure or unsafe at any time when asked to complete a manual handling ob it is there responsibility to talk with a manage for advice before attempting a task.

 

Procedure

Planning

  • Think about the task to be performed and plan the lift

  • Consider what you will be lifting, where you will put it, how far you are going to move it and how you are going to get there

  • Assess the size, weight and centre of gravity of the load to make sure that you can maintain a firm grip and see where you are going

  • Remove any unnecessary packaging, if this will make the task safer

  • Reduce the size and weight of loads to make handling easier - this could involve suppliers packing items into smaller consignments before delivery or unpacking packages before moving them

  • Assess whether you can lift the load safely without help. if not, get help or use specialist moving equipment e.g. a trolley, bear in mind that it may be too dangerous to attempt to lift some loads

  • If more than one person is involved, plan the lift first and agree who will lead and give instructions

  • Plan your route and remove any obstructions

  • Check for any hazards such as uneven/slippery flooring

  • Lighting should be adequate

  • Control harmful loads – for instance, by covering sharp edges or by insulating hot containers

  • Avoid lifting unsafe loads, such as damaged glass or badly packed chemicals

  • Check whether you need any personal protective equipment (PPE) and obtain the necessary items, if appropriate

  • Check the equipment before use and check that it fits you

  • Ensure that you are wearing the correct clothing and suitable footwear

  • Consider a resting point before moving a heavy load or carrying something any distance

 

Position

  • Stand in front of the load with your feet apart and your leading leg forward

  • Your weight should be even over both feet

  • Position yourself (or turn the load around) so that the heaviest part is next to you

  • If the load is too far away, move toward it or bring it nearer before starting the lift

  • Do not twist your body to pick it up

 

Lifting

Always lift using the correct posture:

  • Bend the knees slowly, keeping the back straight

  • Tuck the chin in on the way down

  • Lean slightly forward if necessary and get a good grip

  • Keep the shoulders level, without twisting or turning from the hips

  • Try to grip with the hands around the base of the load

  • Bring the load to waist height, keeping the lift as smooth as possible

 

Moving the load

  • Move the feet, keeping the load close to the body

  • Proceed carefully, making sure that you can see where you are going

  • Lower the load, reversing the procedure for lifting

  • Avoid crushing fingers or toes as you put the load down

  • Position and secure the load after putting it down

  • Make sure that it is rested on a stable base

  • Report any problems immediately, for example, strains and sprains

  • Where there are changes, for example to the activity or the load, the task must be reassessed

 

The task

  • Carry loads close to the body, lifting and carrying the load at arm’s length increases the risk of injury

  • Avoid awkward movements such as stooping, reaching or twisting ensure that the task is well designed and that procedures are followed

  • Try never to lift from the floor or to above should height. Limit the distances for carrying

  • Minimise repetitive actions by re-designing and rotating tasks

  • Ensure that there are adequate rest periods and breaks between tasks

  • Plan ahead – use teamwork where the load is too heavy for one person

 

The environment

  • Ensure that the surroundings are safe

  • Flooring should be even where possible and not slippery, lighting should be adequate

  • Remove obstructions and ensure that the correct equipment is available

 

Lifting children

  • Remember lifting children is not the same as lifting an object - children move

  • Use the above techniques when manoeuvring children, e.g. to change a child’s nappy, but remember to take into account that the child may struggle or wriggle whilst on the move, if this happens - stop, place the child back down and start again after using reassuring words to calm the child

  • Encourage the child to hold onto you were possible, this will support you and the child when lifting

  • Ask for support from another staff member if the child is heavy or needs additional support of head/limbs etc

    Please see the MHOR poster on the inside window boards.

Feb 24