Caring for You

Dear Caring for You Nurses,

 Some helpful facts and hints in regards to Manual Handling:

·      - As defined by the ANF, “Manual Handling is any activity that requires the use of force exerted by a person to lift, carry, lower, push, pull move or hold any item. Manual handling involves performing repetitive activities, sustained muscle exertion and fixed postures.”

·      - Fortunately most manual handling injuries are preventable if workplace policies and safe work practices are followed.

·      - Patients should be encouraged (when safe to do so) to assist in their own transfers.

Manual Handling 

·      - Mechanical lifting aids help reduce risk of injury to both healthcare workers and patient’s/resident’s. Healthcare workers must follow the current “Workplace Health and Safety Act.

·      The two most common manual handling injuries include sprains and strains of the musculoskeletal system.

·      All healthcare workers who handle activities are at risk of an injury.

·      To decrease the risk of a manual handling injury occurring, healthcare workers need to identify, assess and manage risks.

·     Risk factors can include environmental hazards (wet floors), a non-co-operative patient/resident, unsuitable equipment, and staff shortages. 

·     Our thigh muscles are the strongest muscles in our body.

·     During transfers, first bend and then slowly straighten the knees.

·     Always ask for assistance from fellow workers. Teamwork is important to ensure we are all SAFE in our workplace.

·     It is not until we sustain an injury that we realise how much we take our bodies for granted.

·     If you have any manual handling or “no lIft” queries please do not hesitate to email laurenm@caringforyou.net.au

Thank you members for taking the time to read our education blogs.

Kind Regards,

Lauren McIver

Nurse Educator