How do the principles for safe moving and handling protect those in the social care setting from injury or harm?

Answer 1

Whether in social care or medical care settings, people who are ill, disabled, or debilitated often need assistance with daily living activities and movement. Some people are partially or entirely paralyzed, and need even more assistance. Others simply need 'stand by' assistance, but safety remains a concern for both the person and the helper.

Every act of stand by assistance or hands on assist requires safety protocols, referred to as Body Mechanics. Body mechanics protect the person/patient and helper/worker. The first principle always involves education. The person/patient must have a clear explanation of how the 'assistance' must be given, and what the person must or must not do during the lift/assist. Often, long term patients know the routine well, but the worker should state the process anyway. The same safety principles apply whether the person is on the floor, in a chair, or on a bed.

In addition, the helper must recognize before attempting to lift the need to get additional help when needed to ensure safety. A heavier patient or a more unsteady patient who fell and is on the floor may need more assistance from 2 or 3 helpers (*after first being assessed for injury prior to moving the person). A person who has an altered mental status or acute new problem (such as recent surgery) may not be able to understand directions, or may need 2-3 helpers until the person improves.

The main principle involves protection of the helper's back while maintaining worker and patient balance and safety. A worker should adopt a wider stance, both feet flat on the floor, and use the worker's leg muscles and core muscles during the lift/assist. This means bending the knees, keeping the person (also applies to heavy objects) close to your body, and lifting using your legs. The person's arms should be around the lifter's shoulders/neck.

Gait belts help protect unsteady persons from falls. Back brace / lift belts help workers keep correct posture and give added protection to muscles.

Helpers must always seek to assist safely, for the well-being of both patient and helper.