Manual Handling & Risk Assessment

Question 1

What are the steps of risk assessment?

Answer 1

1. Identify (how, who)
2. Avoid
3. Analyse (why, consequences)
4. Evaluate (how to reduce/eliminate)
5. Treat (who takes responsibility; remove, transfer, reduce, manage, eliminate)

Question 2

How is likelihood rated?

Answer 2

• Rare: 0-10%
• Unlikely: >10-25%
• Possible: >25-50%
• Likely: >50-90%
• Certain: >90%

Question 3

How is impact rated?

Answer 3

• Insignificant
• Minor
• Significant
• Major
• Catastrophic

Question 4

What are the benefits of a heat map?

Answer 4

• Big picture view to use while making strategic decisions
• Improved management of risks
• Increase focus on risk appetite/tolerance
• More precision in risk assessment process
• Identification of gaps in risk management
• Greater integration of risk management

Question 5

What questions should be asked in regards to risk management?

Answer 5

• What are the risks?
• How much risk are we prepared to take (risk appetite)?
• What kind of impact will we see?
• Are we prepared to resource the required changes?

Question 6

What are the risks on an ortho ward?

Answer 6

• Chest infection
• DVT
• Fainting
• Hip dislocation
• Infection
• Sitffness
• Falls

Question 7

What are the risk factors for DVT?

Answer 7

• Previous DVT
• Smoker
• Contraceptive pill
• Older age
• Varicose veins

Question 8

Why do people faint?

Answer 8

• Low BP
• Low O2 going to head
• Low RBC count

Question 9

What are the risk factors for stiffness?

Answer 9

• Volume of tissue trauma
• Volume of bleeding
• Swelling
• Proximity to the joint
• Period of immobilisation

Question 10

What are the risk factors for falls?

Answer 10

• Previous falls
• Neurological issues
• Debilitation
• Age
• Gait aids
• Eyes
• Feet
• Cognition (e.g. dementia)

Question 11

What are the consequences of manual handling injuries?

Answer 11

• Permanent injury to you
• Permanent injury to patient
• Loss of career, social/family life, income
• Pain

Question 12

What are the steps of manual handling management?

Answer 12

1. Assessment (patient, environment)
2. Interpretation (goals)
3. Plan (based on assessment, decision making)
4. Intervene
5. Evaluate

Question 13

What should be included in the manual handling assessment?

Answer 13

• Person/patient (mobility, WB status, injury, independence)
• Environment
• Health team (how many people, training)
• Available equipment & resources
• Aim for level of independence
• Object (size, weight, grips, height)
• Task (time to complete/sustain, predictability, direction, height)

Question 14

What should be considered when assessing the assistant person?

Answer 14

• Strength, fitness, flexibility
• Skill level/training
• Posture of hands/arms
• Working posture of body
• Time of day/fatigue/stress
• Footwear

Question 15

What are the strategies for safe manual handling to prevent back injuries?

Answer 15

• Always stay close
• Stable base
• Secure grip
• Move smoothly
• Maintain posture
• Use abdominals & back muscles