Legally, employers are obliged to provide a safe working environment for their staff. Under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended) employers are required to:
- assess the risk of back injury at work
- reduce the risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable
- provide training for staff on safe and healthy practice
- supervise staff to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Risk assessment should be generic and individual. A generic risk assessment would cover the workplace/environment e.g. the equipment needed, safe staffing levels, emergency procedures and the suitability of the physical environment. Individual risk assessments consider the specific moving and handling needs (e.g. help needed, specific equipment needs and number of staff needed to support the patient) to ensure the safety of staff and the patient/service user.
Employers also need to assess the risks of back and musculoskeletal disorders from a wide range of activities such as those which could involve bending or stooping for periods of time e.g. leg ulcer dressings - or handling part of a patient e.g. a limb being prepared for surgery in a theatre environment.
There is a requirement for a ‘competent person’ to conduct risk assessments. Competency is a mixture of skills, knowledge and qualifications to carry out the role. For further information see National Back Exchange website.
The NHS Staff Council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Partnership Group (HSWPG) Back in Work Back Pack is available from the NHS Employers website – search for ‘back pack’ in the search box on the homepage.