Guide to avoid back injuries published

The Health and Safety Executive has launched
guidance for care workers at risk of back injury through helping
disabled people.

According to the HSE, the social and health
care sector has one of the highest rates of back injury with about
half of all reported accidents attributed to helping those with
reduced mobility.

The guidance is aimed at care service managers
but will be useful for care workers, clients and their families. It
gives advice on lifting and advises avoiding “no-lift”
policies.

John Cullen, head of HSE’s services sector,
said: “The problem for home care service providers is in getting
the correct balance between ensuring the safety of care workers
performing the manual lifting and handling and meeting the
individual needs of the client.”

– Handling Home Care: Achieving Safe,
Efficient and Positive Outcomes for Care Workers and Clients from
01787 881165