Safe Manual Handling of People: What Employers and Carers Need to Know
Following the correct procedures for the manual handling of people is essential to protect both the carer and the person being moved. Each year, thousands of nurses, care workers, and healthcare professionals in the UK suffer preventable injuries while assisting others. Whether helping a patient into or out of bed, supporting them to stand, walk, use the toilet, or recover from a fall, lifting or moving another person carries significant risk.
Incorrect techniques can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), back strain, shoulder injuries, and long-term chronic pain. Over a million carers in the UK experience back injuries caused by unsafe handling practices. These injuries often result in extended absences, reduced mobility, and lasting health issues. Poor manual handling can also harm the person being assisted—causing discomfort, bruising, or even skin and tissue damage. Safe handling techniques maintain both safety and dignity for those in care.
Reducing the Risks of Manual Handling
Preventing manual handling injuries starts with a thorough understanding of workplace risks. Employers should assess every task where people are lifted, supported, or repositioned, and identify safer alternatives. A comprehensive manual handling risk assessment ensures all potential hazards are identified and controlled effectively.
Health and Safety Training
Every employee involved in moving or assisting others must receive suitable manual handling of people training. Quality training teaches correct techniques, posture, and communication, while helping staff recognise their own physical limits. Trainers should tailor sessions to the specific working environment—whether it’s a hospital, care home, or residential setting—to deliver practical, relevant guidance. Continuous refresher training keeps best practices up to date and reduces long-term injury rates.
Investigating Manual Handling Incidents
If an accident or injury occurs, a full investigation should follow. Employers need to document the activity, identify what went wrong, and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Each incident provides valuable insight into training needs, equipment suitability, and procedural weaknesses. A culture of learning and reporting helps create safer care environments for both staff and patients.
Using Mechanical Aids Safely
Where possible, replace physical lifting with mechanical assistance. Equipment such as hoists, slings, or slide sheets can drastically reduce the risk of injury. However, all mechanical aids introduce their own hazards—so they must be maintained, inspected, and included in regular safety assessments. The goal is not just to remove physical strain, but to ensure every transfer is planned, supported, and risk-assessed for safety.
Teamwork and Communication
Handling or lifting another person is rarely a one-person task. Team handling distributes weight evenly and improves control. Employees should never attempt a lift alone if it feels unsafe. Team members should be of similar height and strength, designate one person as the leader, and lift or lower in unison following clear commands. Coordination, communication, and preparation are vital for safe and dignified handling of people in care settings.
By combining proper training, teamwork, and equipment use, employers can dramatically reduce manual handling injuries and ensure the highest standards of safety and respect in the workplace.
Related Training
- Manual Handling course
- Risk Assessment training
- Mental Health and Well-being training
- First Aid training