Why Manual Handling Training in Healthcare is a Must
Did you know that manual handling accounts for around a third of workplace injuries?
Manual Handling might not seem a high risk, but it’s actually one of the most common causes of workplace injuries in Australia. According to Safe Work Australia, manual handling injuries cost Australian businesses $28 billion every year.
In the healthcare industry, poor manual handling techniques remain the largest cause of workers injuries. Other occupational groups are also at high risk including cleaners, maintenance, and healthcare assistants.
Healthcare workers often help people who have poor mobility. They are mostly required to assist patients in performing normal daily tasks like sitting or walking, and we all know that a human body is a very heavy object.
Far too many people think that lifting or moving something incorrectly will not cause any serious injury. Contrary to that, poor manual handling techniques can result in serious damage to muscles and ligaments. Lower back injuries, strains, rotator cuff, and tendinitis are some of the most common injuries suffered by healthcare workers.
To help reduce and hopefully prevent further injuries, manual handling training is required among health workers. The knowledge, training, and experience will help them improve the quality of patient care without injuring themselves.
In this blog, we will outline 4 advantages of Manual Handling Training that will improve good safe practices among healthcare workers.
- Raise Awareness
One of the biggest factors in healthcare injuries is the poor awareness of the risks associated with lifting, transferring and repositioning patients. Repeated and forceful movements can put workers in danger of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Safe handling courses raise awareness on risk and injuries that can occur as a result of poor form and practice.
- Reduce the risk of Injury
Manual handling training courses reduce the risk of injury for both healthcare workers and patients. There will be increased in patient’s satisfaction and comfort, while a more satisfying work environment for the healthcare worker. Based on studies, proper training can reduce manual lifting injuries up to 95 percent.
- Operate with Compliance
Through training, you can ensure that your organisation complies with the regulations set out in The Occupational Safety and Health Regulation of 1996. As well as the requirement of the Manual Handling Code of Practice to carry out a risk assessment on manual handling tasks.
Complying with the requirements will keep you on top of your OHS.
- Promotes a Healthy Workforce
Manual handling training promotes the creation of a healthy workforce. Employees are generally happier knowing that their employers have their interest in mind. Keeping them the same from the impending dangers will ideally culminate a healthy and productive workforce.
Learn the proper lifting and carrying techniques, and understand the risk and precautions needed in working as a healthcare worker.
Here at First Aid Pro, we’re pleased to offer manual handling courses that will cover efficient practices on how patients can be moved, lifted and handled safely. Click here to be the taken to the course page.