WorkCover Queensland advocates for a systematic approach as the most effective means to manage associated risks.
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People handling encompasses various workplace activities where individuals are physically moved, supported, or restrained. This involves the application of force to lift, lower, push, pull, or slide another person.
Recognizing that all people handling tasks carry inherent risks, it is crucial to assess and manage these risks appropriately. WorkCover Queensland emphasizes that, except for small children, no worker should attempt to lift a person without assistance from mechanical aids, devices, or another worker.
When approaching people handling tasks, it is essential to consider the well-being of both the individuals performing the handling and those being handled. Factors such as the person's physical characteristics, state of arousal, unpredictable behavior, willingness to assist, and ability to communicate and understand should be taken into account.
To mitigate risks associated with people handling, workplaces can adopt various strategies, including:
- Conducting mobility risk assessments to maximize the person's ability to assist through appropriate advice, mechanical, and/or assistive devices.
- Moving the person to a location that allows the worker performing the task unrestricted movement, such as using a shower trolley for bathing.
- Assessing the specific needs of the task, determining the type of mechanical aids and personnel required, and planning to avoid hazardous manual tasks.
- Utilizing ceiling hoists, ensuring that their use involves adequate supervision and resources to eliminate the risk of workers working under time pressure or attempting the task alone.
- Planning for the handling of a person attached to medical or other equipment.
- Ensuring easy access to the location and storage of mechanical aids and assistive devices.
- Providing training on the safe use of mechanical aids and assistive devices.