the dudley group of hospitals nhs trust manual handling training policy

THE DUDLEY GROUP OF HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING POLICY
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The aim of this Policy is to clearly define how Manual Handling training is to be implemented
within the Trust and to identify the areas of responsibilities.
This Policy will provide guidance for all aspects of Manual Handling training in both patient and
non-patient areas. The Policy will provide a guideline of how the Trust will ensure suitable and
sufficient training is provided for all members of staff.
2.0 SCOPE OF THE POLICY
The Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust recognises the need to provide adequate Manual
Handling training for all new and existing employees in line with its legal responsibilities under
the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974, The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1998, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Lifting Operations and
Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment
Regulations 1998.
Therefore the Trust aims:
2.1 To provide Manual Handling training for all new employees within four weeks of
commencement
2.2 To provide regular update Manual Handling training for all existing employees
2.3 To ensure sufficient numbers of suitably trained Manual Handling Champions to
deliver adequate training for their area of work
2.4 To monitor and review all aspects of Manual Handling training
3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Chief Executive
The Chief Executive, supported by the Trust Board, retains overall responsibility for the
implementation of this Policy.
3.2 Director of Human Resources
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The Director of Human Resources, who is the Trust’s lead for Health and Safety and
chairs the Health and Safety Committee, will be the lead for Manual Handling.
3.3 Directors’ Responsibilities
Directors and Medical Directors hold responsibility for the management, implementation
and ongoing monitoring of the Manual Handling Training Policy within their respective
areas.
3.4 Senior Managers
Senior Managers, for example Matrons, Head of Service and Heads of Departments are
responsible for the Manual Handling Training within their area.
Their responsibilities are:
3.4.1 To ensure this Policy is implemented effectively.
3.4.2 To ensure that all areas have identified a local Manual Handling
Champion to co-ordinate and disseminate best practice to employees. The
number of Manual Handling Champions to staff ratio will decided by the
Senior Manager and Manual Handling Co-ordinator. The ratio will depend
on the complexity of handling tasks and associated risks within the area.
3.4.3 To ensure the ongoing development needs of staff are identified at their
appraisal/personal development planning meetings and arrange for
updating of skills.
3.4.4 To ensure provision is made for the release of staff to attend Manual
Handling training as necessary.
3.4.5 To ensure identified Manual Handling Champions are released to fulfil
their duties in line with the Policy.
3.4.6 To ensure all existing members of staff attend Manual Handling training as
laid out in the Policy.
3.4.7 Ensuring new employees receive a local Manual Handling induction as
soon as possible when the new employee begins in post, when the
environment or their role changes.
3.4.8 Ensuring up to date local training records are kept for all employees.
3.5 Line Managers/Supervisors/Clinical Leads/Ward Managers are responsible for:
3.5.1 Arrange for new staff to attend the Manual Handling Induction course
within four weeks of commencement and ensure attendance.
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3.5.2 Where new staff fail to attend the Manual Handling Induction course,
having been booked on the program, the Training Department will alert
Managers accordingly and it will be the Managers’ responsibility to
arrange with the individual to make a further booking and attend.
3.5.3 Ensuring local Manual Handling training is provided, and for ensuring safe
Manual Handling practices are adhered to.
3.5.4 Arranging for new employees and existing employees attend Manual
Handling training.
3.5.5 To ensure new employees receive a local Manual Handling induction on
their first day in the work area.
3.5.6 Identifying the ongoing development needs of staff at their
appraisal/personal development planning meetings and to arrange for
updating of skills.
3.5.7 At the earliest opportunity inform the Manual Handling Co-ordinator when
the staff within their area cannot attend a corporate Manual Handling
training session that they have been booked on to.
3.5.8 To arrange for student nurses to attend Manual Handling Training as
required.
3.5.9 Monitor the application of Manual Handling practice in the workplace.
3.5.10 Ensuring records of staff and student training are maintained.
3.6 Manual Handling Champions (formally Key Worker)
The Manual Handling Champion will form a major part of the Manual Handling Training
Policy. They will have responsibility to:
3.6.1 Provide advice and guidance on Manual Handling in the workplace.
3.6.2 Carry out (local induction, update, equipment, and others as required)
Manual Handling training for all employees (including Student Nurses,
agency/locum/temporary workers (NOTE all agency, bank, temporary
and locum workers must be able to produce a Manual Handling
Certificate prior to employment)) within their department on a specified
basis and/or assess the competency of employees.
3.6.3 Develop and deliver suitable and sufficient Manual Handling training
programmes for employees within their area in conjunction with the
Manual Handling Co-ordinator.
3.6.4 Inform the line manager of any Manual Handling issues in the workplace.
Where necessary, they will liaise with the Manual Handling Co-ordinator.
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3.6.5 Monitor the application of Manual Handling practice in the workplace.
3.6.6 Send registers and other information to the Manual Handling Co-ordinator,
as requested.
3.6.7 Attend quarterly and ad-hoc Manual Handling Champions meetings.
3.6.8 Assist with the Manual Handling Co-ordinator with Manual Handling
Training including Mini Manual Handling Induction for Student Nurses as
necessary.
3.7 Employees
All employees have responsibility to abide by this Policy and the work practices and
decisions arising from the implementation of it. Employees also have the responsibility
to:
3.7.1 Attend Manual Handling training.
3.7.2 Inform Line Managers/Supervisors/Clinical Leads/Ward Managers at the
earliest opportunity if they are unable to attend a booked Manual Handling
Training session for any reason.
3.7.3 Implement Manual Handling techniques as taught within training
programmes.
3.7.4 Report any incidents or accidents as a result of Manual Handling in line
with the Adverse Incidents Policy and Procedures.
3.8 Manual Handling Co-ordinator responsibility to:
3.8.1 Implement, review and develop the Manual Handling Training Strategy
3.8.2 Develop and implement a variety of suitable and sufficient Manual
Handling Training programmes
3.8.3 Maintain accurate records of Manual Handling Training and generate
reports to identify who has and has not attended.
3.8.4 Co-ordinate Manual Handling Champions throughout the Trust and
arrange Manual Handling meetings on a quarterly basis and as necessary.
3.8.5 Develop and implement a variety of materials to support the Manual
Handling Training.
3.8.6 Monitor the application of Manual Handling Practice in the workplace.
3.8.7 Support and assess Manual Handling Champions in the delivery of
Manual Handling training within local areas.
4.0 MANUAL HANDLING TRAINING
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An overview of the Manual Handling Training provision for the Trust is shown in Tables 1, 2
and 3 below.
4.1 All Manual Handling Training must be agreed by the Manual Handling Co-ordinator
before it can be delivered within the Trust.
4.2 Manual Handling delivered within the Trust can only be delivered by a competent
person.
4.3 Manual Handling Champions will be deemed competent on the successful
completion of Manual Handling Champions training programme (Table 3) and
follow up competency assessment. Manual Handling Champions must have an up
to date Manual Handling Champions Certificate to train employees.
Table 1- Training Needs Analysis
INDUCTION
What Who When Duration Delivered by Where
Manual
Handling
Induction
linked to
Generic
Corporate
Induction
Patient
Handling
Induction
Course
Student
Nurses Mini
Manual
Handling
Induction
Volunteers
Induction
All New
Employees
All staff that
are required
to handle
patients
New Student
Nurses
All new
volunteers
Local Induction All new
employees,
including
student
nurses,
following a
change in
working
environment
or role
Within first
four weeks
of
employment
Within two
weeks of
completing
Manual
Handling
Induction
First day on
entering the
Trust or
before
handling any
patients
Before
commencem
ent in the
Trust
First day on
entering the
Trust, when
there is a
change in
the working
environment
or role
2 hours Manual
Handling Coordinator
Category
Two- 4hrs
Category
One-1 day
Manual
Handling Coordinator
and
Manual
Handling
Champion
3 hours Manual
Handling Coordinator
and
Manual
Handling
Champion
1 hour Manual
Handling
Champion
Variable
Manual
Handling
Champion or
Manager
Suitable Room
Room suitable for
Practical Patient
Handling
Room suitable for
Practical Patient
Handling
Suitable Room
In the department
or area(s) of work
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Table 2
UPDATE
What Who When Duration Delivered by Where
Update
All staff
including
Student
Nurses and
volunteers
Annually
(subject to
review see
section 6.1)
2-3 hours
dependent
on role
Manual
Handling
Champion or
Manual
Handling Coordinator
Various locations
and methods for
a blended
approach
Table 3
MANUAL HANDLING CHAMPIONS COURSES
What Who When Duration Delivered by Where
Manual
Handling
Champions
Non Patient
Handling
Course
Manual
Handling
Champions
Patient
Handling
Course
Manual
Handling
Champions
Non Patient
Handling
Revision
Course
Manual
Handling
Patient
Handling
Revision
Course
Manual
Handling
Champions
identified by
Senior
Managers
Manual
Handling
Champions
identified by
Senior
Managers
Manual
Handling
Champions
that have
successfully
completed
the 2 day
course
above
Manual
Handling
Champions
that have
successfully
completed
the 3 day
course
above
One
Occasion
One
Occasion
Within
three years
of
completing
the Manual
Handling
Champions
Non
Patient
Handling
Course
Within
three years
of
completing
the Manual
Handling
Champions
Patient
Handling
Course
2 days Manual
Handling Coordinator
3 days Manual
Handling Coordinator
1 day Manual
Handling Coordinator
1 day Manual
Handling Coordinator
Room suitable for
Practical Patient
Handling
Room suitable for
Practical Patient
Handling
Room suitable for
Practical Patient
Handling
Room suitable for
Practical Patient
Handling
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5.0 MANUAL HANDLING INDUCTION TRAINING (APPENDIX 1 SHOWS THE INDUCTION
PATHWAY)
All new employees must attend induction training, as outlined:
5.1 All new employees (excluding Students (refer to point 7) and Volunteers (refer to
point 8)) must undertake the Manual Handling Induction training programme within
four weeks of commencing employment (Note this is held in conjunction with the
Trust Generic Corporate Induction).
5.2 All patient handlers will be required to complete the next available Patient Handling
Induction Course. The length of training they will need to attend will depend on the
extent to which they will be expected to handle patients (See Appendix 2). Staff
should be on limited/supervised manual handling duties, as appropriate, until they
are deemed competent to handle patients following successful completion of the
Patient Handling Induction Course.
5.3 On their first day on the ward or department, all new employees are to receive a
specific Local Manual Handling Induction by the assigned Manual Handling
Champion or Line Manager if the Manual Handling Champion is not available
(Appendix 3 highlights a suggested check list).
6.0 MANUAL HANDLING UPDATE TRAINING (APPENDIX 4 SHOWS THE UPDATE
PATHWAY)
6.1 Initially all staff (including student nurses, volunteers and Junior Doctors) are
required to attend a Mandatory Manual Handling Update Session on an annual
basis. The feasibility of bi-annual training for some categories of staff will be
subject to review once sufficient numbers of competent Manual Handling
Champions are in place.
6.2 The duration, content and method of Manual Handling Update Training will be
decided by the Manual Handling Champion, Senior Manager for the area, and
Manual Handling Co-ordinator.
6.3 There will be a number of Corporate Manual Handling Update Training sessions to
support the training delivered by the Manual Handling Champions. These will be
designed for staff who can not attend training delivered by the Champions. The
Corporate Manual Handling Update sessions will also give the opportunity for the
Manual Handling Champions to be assessed or practice delivering training.
6.4 Staff that work nights or unsociable hours should attend Manual Handling training
on organised sessions to ensure continuity in training. This may involve arranging
off duty accordingly to enable all staff to attend.
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7.0 STUDENT NURSES
Student Nurses currently receive training provided by the University prior to commencement of
placement at the Trust. There are some concerns regarding the extent of the training being
provided, this is being addressed by the Universities and the Strategic Health Authority. As an
interim measure the Trust will supplement this training to ensure Student Nurses receive
suitable and sufficient Manual Handling training. Once agreement has been reached the
Manual Handling Training Policy will be reviewed.
7.1 Student Nurses will be required to have completed the Manual Handling training
provided at the University prior to commencing within the Trust.
7.2 New Student Nurses are to attend a Mini Manual Handling Induction where their
competency will be assessed. The training will last for three hours and should take
place within their first two weeks of their placement. Participants will be assessed
on a continual basis during practical applications. Where there are concerns over
the ability of participants the Practice Placement Manager will be informed and the
student(s) should be on limited/supervised manual handling duties, as appropriate
and/or referred back to the University for further training.
7.3 All Student Nurses will attend Manual Handling Updates as described in section 5.
7.4 Records of training carried out by the Manual Handling Champions for Student
Nurses are to be forwarded to Manual Handling Co-ordinator. The Manual
Handling Co-ordinator is to supply the Practice Placement Manager with records of
Students that have received Manual Handling Training on a regular basis.
8.0 VOLUNTEERS
The Volunteer Co-ordinator is responsible for the delivery and recording of Manual Handling
training for all Volunteers.
8.1 A Manual Handling Volunteer Induction is to be carried out for all new volunteers.
8.2 Volunteers will receive a Manual Handling Updates carried out by the Volunteer
Co-ordinator in line with section 5.
8.3 The Volunteer Co-ordinator must attend the Manual Handling Champions two day
non patient handling prior to delivering Manual Handling training.
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9.0 MONITORING SYSTEM
An effective monitoring system will be developed and implemented by the Manual Handling
Co-ordinator.
The monitoring system will:
9.1 Identify employees that have attended, those that failed to attend and those that
are due to attend.
9.2 The system will be capable of producing reports by directorate, staff group and
ward/department.
10.0 TRAINING VENUE
Manual Handling Training will be delivered in a variety of areas to meet the needs of
employees.
10.1 The Manual Handling Champions Three Day Patient Handling, Corporate Manual
Handling Update Training (Categories 1 and 2) and One Day Patient Manual
Handling Champion Revision Course will be delivered in a suitable training venue
equipped with Manual Handling equipment used within the Trust.
10.2 The Manual Handling Champions two day non patient handling, Two hour Manual
Handling Induction, Corporate Manual Handling Update Training (Category 3) and
One day non patient Manual Handling Champion Revision Course will be delivered
in a suitable classroom training venue.
10.3 Local Manual Handling Induction will be delivered in the local environment where
the employee is to be working. This may involve visiting a number of areas.
10.4 Manual Handling Champions can deliver Update training in a blended approach
using a variety of methods and suitable venues.
Originator: Andrew Evans, Manual Handling Co-ordinator
Approver: Janine Clarke, Director of Human Resources
Date of Approval: 11/5/2006
Date for Review: May 2007
This policy supersedes the policy approved on…………… N/A
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Appendix 1
Flow diagram of proposal (Induction)
Manual Handling Induction (2hrs)
(All Staff, categories 1,2,3)
Delivered by MH Co-ordinator
Mini Manual Handling
Induction (3hrs)
(Student Nurses Only)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patient Handling
Induction Course
(Categories 1,2)
Delivered by MH Coordinator
(4 hrs category 2)
(1 day category 1)
Non Clinical Staff
(category 3)
Specific hazards to be
identified on local
induction by Manual
Handling Champion
Competency
Assessed
Competency
Assessed
Deemed Competent
Specific hazards to be
identified on local
induction by Manual
Handling Champion
Not Deemed
Competent
Participant
Informed.
Manager Informed.
Occ Health
Informed.
Appropriate
retraining
arranged.
Deemed
Competent
Specific
hazards to
be identified
on local
induction by
Manual
Handling
Champion
Not
Deemed
Competent
Practice
Placement
Manager
Informed.
Referred
back to
University
for further
training.
To attend relevant
Refresher Course
as per Appendix 4
Volunteer
Induction
(Volunteers
Only)
Not Deemed Competent
Areas of concern highlighted to
individual and manager
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Appendix 2
To cover the wide variety of roles within the Trust Manual Handling Training will be split into three
groups:
Category Description Example Job Roles
Category 1 Staff involved in Manual
Handling of patients as a
major part of their work
activities
Trained Nurses/ Midwifes
Clinical Support Workers
Radiographers
Theatre Staff
Physiotherapists
Occupational Therapists
Student Nurses- (for updates only, see mini
manual handling induction appendix 1 for new
Category 2
Category 3
Staff involved with direct
patient contact that may
be required to handle
patients on a less
frequent basis
Non patient handlers,
staff involved in moving
and handling of
inanimate objects
Students)
Matrons
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Outpatient Departments
Medical Staff (including Junior Doctors)
Speech Therapists
Podiatry
Dieticians
Orthoptics
Hearing Services
Plaster Technicians
Occupational Health
Medical Photography
Neonatal Unit
Mortuary
Administration and Clerical Staff
Distribution
Pharmacy
PALS
Pathology Staff
Volunteers
Chaplin’s
Directors and Non Clinical Managers
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Appendix 3
Local Manual Handling Induction Checklist
(FORM TO BE KEPT IN PERSONAL FILE ON COMPLETION)
FOR COMPLETION DURING FIRST DAY OF EMPLOYMENT
Area/ward/department where new employee will be working…………………………
Name of new employee……………………………………………………………………
Start date……………………………………………………
Name of person completing the form
(PRINT)………………………………………
Mandatory for all
staff
Task
(SIGN)………………………………………..
(DATE)……………………………………….
Person
Responsible
Date
Completed
* Introduce the new employee to the Manual Handling
Champion(s) for the area and highlight the Champions role
* Advise the new employee that they are not permitted to carry
out Manual Handling until they have completed the relevant
Manual Handling Induction
* Identify where the Manual Handling Policies and documents
are located and advise to read
* Carry out a tour of the working environment highlighting
where Manual Handling Equipment is located and
introduction to team members
* Advise on how to report items that are damaged and how to
report Adverse Incidents
* Advise on the process for Manual Handling Update Training
For staff expected
to use equipment Induction in use of lifting and handling equipment
* Use of appliances and checklists
* Advise on laundry/cleaning arrangements for manual
handling equipment
Specific to Local Area (to be completed by Manual Handling Champion, Senior
Manager with advise where necessary from the Manual Handling Co-ordinator)
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Appendix 4
Flow diagram of proposal (Update)
Attended Induction as Appendix 1
Or
Joined the Trust prior to June 2006
Category 1
Attend Update
Major Patient Handlers
Delivered by MH
Champion or MH Coordinator
Category 2
Attend Update
Minor Patient Handlers
Delivered by MH
Champion or MH Coordinator
Category 3
Attend Update
Non Patient Handler
Delivered by MH
Champion or MH Coordinator
Competency Assessed (by MH Champion or MH Coordinator)
Competency Assessed
(by MH Champion or
MH Co-ordinator)
Deemed Not
Competent
Participant Informed
Manager Informed
Occ Health Informed
Deemed Competent
Specific hazards to
be identified by
Manual Handling
Champion
Deemed Not
Competent
Participant Informed
Manager Informed
Occ Health Informed
Attend part/all of one-day
patient handlers induction
course as per induction
flow diagram
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