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MANUAL HANDLING

Effective Skills Training Ltd offers a comprehensive suite of Moving and assisting / Manual Handling courses designed to reduce the risk of injury for both carers and those being moved. These courses are available through flexible delivery options, including blended learning (combining online theory with practical sessions) and traditional classroom-based training.

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A critical aspect of these courses, particularly for the practical elements, is the Client's Responsibility. To ensure safety and effective training, clients must guarantee that:

  • All necessary equipment is available on site: This includes hoists, slings, stand aids, slide sheets, wheelchairs, profiling beds, etc., relevant to the specific course and client's needs.

  • Equipment is in good working order: All moving and assisting equipment must be functional and safe for use.

  • Equipment is accompanied by a current LOLER/PUWER certificate: This refers to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). These certificates confirm that lifting equipment has been thoroughly examined and that work equipment is safe for use.

  • Staff attending complete a health declaration: Participants must confirm their physical fitness to safely engage in the practical elements of the course. This is crucial to prevent injury to both the learners and the instructors.

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Moving People Safely

These courses focus specifically on the safe and dignified movement and assistance of individuals, primarily in health and social care settings.

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  • Moving People Safely Awareness Level 1 (4 hours):

    • Focus: This introductory course provides fundamental awareness of safe people moving practices. It's designed for individuals who require a basic understanding of the principles of safe moving and assisting, but who may not be directly involved in complex moving tasks.

    • Content typically includes:

      • Understanding the risks of unsafe moving and handling for both the individual and the carer.

      • Basic anatomy of the spine and musculoskeletal system.

      • Principles of good posture and body mechanics.

      • Introduction to basic assisting techniques (e.g., assisting a stand).

      • Awareness of relevant legislation (e.g., Manual Handling Operations Regulations).

      • Recognising when assistance is needed and when to seek help.

    • Target Audience: Care staff, support workers, family carers, or anyone requiring an introductory overview.

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  • Moving & Assisting of People Level 2 (6 hours):

    • Focus: This comprehensive course provides in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills for safely moving and assisting individuals. It's suitable for all staff involved in the direct care of individuals who require assistance with mobility.

    • Content typically includes:

      • Detailed review of legislation (Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, LOLER, PUWER).

      • Risk assessment for moving and assisting tasks (T.I.L.E. - Task, Individual, Load, Environment; or T.I.L.E.O. - Task, Individual, Load, Environment, Other factors).

      • Advanced body mechanics and ergonomic principles.

      • Communication with individuals to ensure cooperation and dignity.

      • Practical application of various moving and assisting techniques:

        • Assisting a stand (from bed, chair, or floor).

        • Using slide sheets for repositioning in bed.

        • Assisting with transfers (bed to chair, chair to toilet).

        • Safe use of small aids (e.g., transfer belts, turntables).

        • Safe use of various types of hoists (mobile, standing, ceiling track) and slings.

        • Safe use of stand aids.

        • Managing falls (assisting an individual from the floor).

      • Care planning and individualised risk assessments.

      • Contingency planning for unexpected situations.

    • The Target Audience is care assistants, nurses, therapists, support workers in health and social care, and anyone regularly involved in moving and assisting people.

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  • Moving & Assisting of People Theory Only Level 2 (4 hours):

    • Focus: This course covers all the theoretical aspects of the "Moving & Assisting of People Level 2" course, but without the practical component. It is often chosen as the online or classroom-based theory part of a blended learning approach.

    • Content: This course mirrors the theoretical elements of the full Level 2 course, including legislation, risk assessment principles, communication, and understanding of equipment, but it excludes hands-on practice.

    • Target Audience: Individuals who will later complete a practical "Part 2" session, or those who need a comprehensive theoretical understanding without direct practical application in their role.

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  • Moving & Assisting of People (Classroom Blended part 2) Level 2 (4 hours):

    • Focus: This essential, practical, face-to-face component complements the "Theory Only Level 2" course. It is designed for learners who have already completed the theoretical knowledge and now need to develop and be assessed on their practical skills.

    • Content: Hands-on practice and competency assessment in:

      • Safe use of various moving and assisting equipment (hoists, slings, slide sheets, stand aids, etc.) as detailed in the full Level 2 course.

      • Applying correct body mechanics and techniques under supervision.

      • Practising communication with individuals during moves.

      • Responding to various moving and assisting scenarios.

    • Target Audience: Individuals who have completed the theoretical component (e.g., "Moving & Assisting of People Theory Only Level 2") and require practical competency.

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  • Moving & Transporting of People Level 2 (6 hours):

    • Focus: This course expands on general people-moving principles to specifically address the safe moving and transportation of individuals, often applicable to patient transport services, ambulance crews, or long-distance care.

    • Content typically includes:

      • All elements of the "Moving & Assisting of People Level 2" course.

      • Specific considerations for moving individuals into and out of vehicles (ambulances, adapted cars, non-emergency transport).

      • Use of specialist transport equipment (e.g., stretchers, carry chairs, transport slings).

      • Securing individuals and equipment within vehicles.

      • Managing transfers over different terrains or in varied environments.

      • Contingency planning for transport challenges.

      • Communication with individuals and other transport staff during transit.

    • Target Audience: Patient transport services staff, ambulance crews, support workers involved in significant patient transfers, or anyone transporting individuals with mobility limitations.

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General Manual Handling

This course focuses on the safe handling of inanimate objects, a crucial skill in almost any workplace.

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  • Safe Moving & Handling of Loads Level 2 (6 hours):

    • Focus: This course provides comprehensive training on the principles and practical application of safe manual handling techniques for inanimate loads (e.g., boxes, equipment, furniture). It is applicable across all industries and workplaces where lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, or carrying is involved.

    • Content typically includes:

      • Understanding the risks associated with improper manual handling (e.g., back injuries, sprains).

      • Relevant legislation (Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992).

      • Anatomy of the spine and musculoskeletal injuries related to handling loads.

      • Principles of safe lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

      • Risk assessment (T.I.L.E. - Task, Individual, Load, Environment) for inanimate loads.

      • Practical application of safe handling techniques for various types of loads (e.g., awkward shapes, heavy items).

      • Use of mechanical aids for load handling (e.g., trolleys, sack barrows, pallet trucks) and their safe operation.

      • Team handling techniques for large or heavy loads.

      • Maintaining a safe working environment to prevent manual handling injuries.

    • Target Audience: Anyone in a workplace setting who performs manual handling tasks, including office workers, warehouse staff, retail employees, construction workers, and healthcare professionals handling equipment.

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Effective Skills Training Ltd's commitment to providing flexible learning options and ensuring the availability of properly certified equipment underscores their dedication to delivering high-quality, practical, and safe moving and handling training.

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