It doesn’t matter whether you’re tasked with moving a heavy box or a human being when it comes to employers adhering to The Manual Handling Operations Regulations. Working for the NHS in a hospital is no different and the rules still apply. Most people would struggle to lift or move a patient who weighs a light 10 stone or so – the rules must apply in any situation where heavy lifting may be involved.
10 stone is around 63kg which is a heavy amount to move – so if you are injured moving a patient in a hospital, what are your rights?
It may sound a little undignified talking about manual handling when it comes to patients but it’s important to appreciate the clear and significant risk of injury. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations put a duty on an employer to avoid the need for manual handling where possible; but where it cannot be avoided:
- There must be risk assessments for any manual handling tasks
- Staff must be adequately trained and supervised where necessary
- Equipment must be provided where applicable to assist
- There must be enough staff available for a task
- Excessive lifting over periods of time must be avoided through the use of breaks and restrictive policies
As an employee of the NHS, you are subject to the same health and safety legislation any other employer is subject to. So if you are injured because of manual handling failures during the course of your employment, you have rights to make a claim for personal injury compensation. There are many simple and effective ways to limit and avoid the risk of injury, such as:
- Staff being trained in safe lifting and moving practises
- The providing of hoists, trolleys, wheelchairs, etc
- Ensuring there are enough staff involved for a manoeuvre
Some of the above touches on what I said about how an employer can abide by the rules, but as you can see, it’s clear in showing how to avoid risks of injuries. So if you are injured because of failings on the part of your employer when it comes to lifting patients then you have the right to make a claim for personal injury compensation for any injuries sustained.
The best way to find out if you have a claim is simple – call our free, no obligation, advice line on 0800 634 7575.
