Manual Handling The Do’s Don’ts & Posture
- Know your own strength & ability
- Explain to client / patient what is involved
- Enlist client / patients co-operation
- Make room to move
- Keep weight close to body
- Wear suitable clothing
- Where possible adjust working height
- When moving with another agree who is in charge
- Move together on the command ready – steady – move
Manual Handling Don’ts
- Never twist while manual handling
- Do not stoop – keep your head in line with the back
- Do not move loads over long distances
- Do not try and move the person away from you
- Do not take risks
Good Posture
- Keep your feet flat and apart – one foot, pointing in the direction of the move
- Squat down, knees and hips bent, if needed , put one knee and your other knee in front, bend at a right angle.
- Keeping your back straight lift slowly straightening your hips and knees (not your back) and don’t twist as you lift.
- Hold the load as close to your body as possible.
- Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.
- Set down your load carefully, squatting with the knees and hips only.
- Never twist whilst manual handling
- Back Do not stoop
- Head & neck Keep in line with your back