INTRODUCTION OF COURSE

The safe moving and handling of people is an essential responsibility for staff working in health and social care environments. Poor manual handling techniques can lead to injuries for both workers and service users, impacting safety and well-being. This refresher course is designed to update knowledge and reinforce best practice in safer moving and handling, ensuring that staff remain confident, competent, and compliant with legal and organisational standards.

TRAINING COURSE CONTENT

This Safer People Moving & Handling Refresher course will cover:

✅ The principles of safer moving and handling

Learners will revisit the key principles of safe moving and handling, including the importance of posture, balance, and body mechanics. This section emphasises the need to protect both the person being moved and the carer.

✅ Legal requirements and responsibilities

This section provides an overview of the main legislation and regulations governing manual handling, such as the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and relevant codes of practice. Learners will understand their legal duties and those of their employer.

✅ Risk assessment in moving and handling

Learners will refresh their knowledge of how to carry out dynamic and planned risk assessments when moving people. This includes identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures.

✅ Equipment used in safer people handling

This part covers the correct use of moving and handling equipment, including hoists, slide sheets, transfer boards, handling belts, and wheelchairs. Learners will review safety checks, maintenance considerations, and how to select the right equipment for different tasks.

✅ Practical techniques for moving and handling

Learners will explore safe techniques for assisting people to move, including repositioning in bed, assisting to stand or sit, and transferring from bed to chair or wheelchair. The section reinforces the importance of communication, consent, and respecting dignity.

✅ Common risks and how to prevent injury

This section reviews the common risks associated with people handling, such as musculoskeletal injuries, and provides strategies to prevent harm, including team working, using equipment correctly, and recognising personal limits.

✅ Reporting incidents and reflective practice

Learners will be reminded of the importance of reporting accidents, near misses, or unsafe practices. This section also highlights how reflective practice helps to identify learning points and improve future performance.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, learners will:

• Understand the principles of safe people moving and handling

• Be aware of legal responsibilities and organisational policies

• Know how to assess risks associated with moving and handling tasks

• Be familiar with common moving and handling equipment and its safe use

• Apply correct techniques to move people safely and with dignity

• Recognise common risks and how to reduce them

• Understand the importance of reporting incidents and using reflective practice

TRAINING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: Why is safer people moving and handling important?

Answer: To prevent injuries to both staff and service users, ensuring safety, dignity, and compliance with legal standards.

Question: Name a key piece of legislation related to moving and handling.

Answer: The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.

Question: What should you do before using a hoist?

Answer: Check the equipment is in good working order, ensure you have been trained to use it, and confirm the care plan or risk assessment supports its use.

Question: Why is communication important during moving and handling tasks?

Answer: To gain consent, reassure the individual, and ensure coordinated action when working as a team.