Moving and Handling Policy for Pupils
Rationale
The Manual Handling operations Regulations 1992 introduced under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations came into force in 1993 (European Directive 90/269.EEC).Under the regulations, employers are required to adopt an ergonomic approach to remove or reduce the risk of manual handling injuries and ensure that systems of work and the working environment are safe. The ergonomic approach looks at manual handling as a whole, taking into account a wide range of relevant factors including the nature of the task, the load, the working environment and individual capability. The aim is to minimise manual lifting.
The views of pupils (as far as is reasonably practicable), parents/carers and other relevant staff will be sought and taken into account. The health, safety and dignity of all those concerned is paramount. Access to the curriculum, therapies and other school activities is a vital consideration. Back to top
Risk Assessment
There will be a risk assessment for all pupils who need physical assistance from an adult. This includes activities that require the adult to support all or part of the pupil's weight. Once the assessment has been carried out a copy will be issued to the class teacher and relevant support staff. The advice on this form will be followed. Back to topReviewing Assessment
It is a legal requirement that these risk assessments are reviewed at least annually or when the environment or the needs of the pupil change. The review process should begin with the SENCO considering the advice on the existing risk assessment and determine if it is still appropriate. Back to topRoles and Responsibilities
Headteacher- Ensure that all employees are aware of and understand this Policy
- Ensure adequate staffing levels to permit manual handling in accordance with the risk assessments
- Ensure all new pupils to the school requiring physical assistance from an adult have a risk assessment completed as soon as is practicably possible on admission
- Ensure all relevant staff have access to the risk assessments and understand their implementation, by liaising with the SENCO
- Review risk assessment advice annually
- Facilitate staff attending adequate manual handling training ideally before they are required to move or handle a pupil
- Ensure that all employees recruited to carry out manual handling tasks are capable at the time of appointment, competence to be assessed during task and that manual handling requirements are specified in the job description
- Make reasonable allowances for employees who become pregnant or who develop any medical condition that may affect their ability to perform the required moving and handling tasks
- Ensure equipment provided is available for use and:
o Faults are reported to manufacturer promptly
o Equipment is stored appropriately and is available for use
- Monitor all accidents and incidents and ensure that the appropriate accident/incident are completed and filed
Employees
- Comply with safe systems of work as stated in the risk assessments Generic and individual and as advised at the manual handling training
- Participate in training
- Take responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions including:
o Reporting to the appropriate manager verbally any medical condition (temporary or permanent) that may develop (including pregnancy) which may affect their ability to carry out moving and handling tasks
o Reporting to the appropriate line manager verbally any circumstances that (within their level of competence) they consider to be a risk to health and safety including any equipment faults
o To report faults to the SENCO
o To store equipment appropriately so that it is available for use
- Report any accident or incident to the appropriate line manager and complete the accident/incident form Back to top