Definition (Code of Practice for Manual Handling)

“Manual Handling is an activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move, hold, or restrain any object.”

No Lift Policy – Definition

Prevention Manual Lifting of Patients is eliminated in all but exceptional or life threatening situations. Manual Handling can only continue if it does not involve lifting most or all of the patients’ weight

Responsibilities Employer: (OH&S reg 1999)

• To provide a safe work environment as far as practicable.
• Identify all patient/resident handling tasks
• Assess the risk associated with these tasks
• Eliminate or Reduce these risks. This is done by:
• Job Design & Work Systems
• Workplace ModificationProper Equipment
• Support and Training

Responsibilities Employee:

To follow workplace protocols, regulations and training

Co-operate with all actions relating to:

• Hazard Identification (Report it !)
• Risk Assessment (Request it)
• Risk Control

If you fail to follow workplace procedures, you will be responsible !!

Six Main Causes of Injury

• Posture
• Position
• Poor technique
• Overuse,
• Overtired,
• People.

Problem Solving Approach

• What is my task?
• What are my abilities? – What are the residents abilities?
• What are the risks? – Can I make it easier and/or safer?
• What is my plan? – What is the best way for me to achieve the task safely.
• Perform the task. – Planning, preparation, proper & safe execution.
• Review the task. – Are there easier ways to do it next time.
• Reduce Force -Assistance, hoist, slide sheet, Mayfield belt etc.
• Reduce Repetitions & Static Postures Administrative controls such as duty rotation, etc.
• Reduce Awkward Positions

Manual Handling Techniques Universal Principles:

• Stand close to working area.
• Back straight (keep the curves).
• Face square onto working area (not twisting).
• Transfer weight from leg to leg (avoid twisting leaning & take steps).
• Moving an object – shift your feet under base of support (avoid leaning with feet anchored).
• Footwear: good shock absorption and traction.
• Lean forward from the hips to work – Don’t flex spine.

References
(1) Documents submitted to OSHA by Wyandot County Nursing Home. (Ex. 3-12) (2) Garg, A. 1999. Long-Term Effectiveness of “Zero-Lift Program” in Seven Nursing Homes and One Hospital. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institution for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Cincinnati, OH. August. Contract No. U60/CCU512089-02. (Ex. 3-3)
(3) Fragala, G., PhD, PE, CSP. 1996. Ergonomics: How to Contain On-the-Job Injuries in Health Care. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. (4) Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Region II. Summer, 2002. New York OSHA E-Newsletter, Vol. 1, Issue 2.
(5) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 1997. Musculoskeletal Disorders and Workplace Factors – A Critical Review of Epidemiologic Evidence for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck, Upper Extremity, and Low Back. (Ex. 3-4) (6) National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. 2001. Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace – Low Back and Upper Extremities. National Academy of Sciences. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. (Ex. 3-6) (7) Taylor and Francis. 1988. Cumulative Trauma Disorders: A Manual for MSDs of the
Upper Limb. Putz-Anderson, V., ed. (8) Documents submitted to OSHA by Citizens Memorial. (Ex. 3-25) (9) U.S. General Accounting Office. 1997. Worker Protection – Private Sector Ergonomics Programs Yield Positive Results. August. GAO/HEHS-97-163. (Ex. 3-92) (10) American Health Care Association, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, National Center for Assisted Living. 2002. Comments submitted to OSHA. (Ex. 4-15) Workcover – transferring people safely -2006