Procedure for moving and handling customers

Purpose

Careline is committed to the Health, Safety and Welfare of its customers and employees. Moving and handling can be a high risk activity, therefore Careline will ensure wherever possible that best practice is followed.

Careline will strive to ensure that risks to staff and customers are reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable and that customers are handled in a safe and dignified manner.

Safer handling is a legal requirement and contributes to the quality of service provided and to the welfare of staff.

Managers have a responsibility to implement the Careline Moving and Handling Policy.

Responsibility

All staff

Process

Staff shall use lifting aids and slider sheets (if required) for each lift. Controversial lifts e.g. the Australian lift, drag under arm lift and the top & tail lift should rigorously be avoided.

If the situation is not manageable i.e. doubt over possible injury, a very heavy customer or someone in an awkward position staff shall request assistance from the Ambulance Service and must not make any attempt to lift before their arrival.