5.1 Describe when advice and/or assistance should be sought in relation to moving or positioning an individual

This guide will help you answer 5.1 Describe when advice and/or assistance should be sought in relation to moving or positioning an individual.

Moving and positioning an individual safely is a critical responsibility in health and social care. You should always ensure the comfort, safety, and dignity of the person while reducing the risk of harm to them or yourself. However, there are situations where seeking advice or assistance becomes necessary. In this guide, we’ll explore when and why support is required and what factors to consider.

Physical Limitations of the Worker

You must seek help if you feel that the task is beyond your physical capabilities. For example:

• Weight or size of the individual: Some individuals may be too heavy or large for one person to move or position safely.
• Existing injuries or health conditions: If you have back pain, muscle strain, or another condition, attempting to carry out the task alone could worsen your injury.
• Tiredness or lack of strength: Fatigue can reduce your ability to safely move or position someone.

Ignoring your physical limitations can lead to injury to you and the individual you are supporting. Asking a colleague or using equipment when necessary ensures safety.

Complex Needs of the Individual

Each individual’s needs vary, and some situations call for specialist input. Seek advice or assistance when:

• Risk of injury is high: For example, someone with fragile bones (osteoporosis) or a recent surgery may require extra care when being moved.
• The person has mobility challenges: Individuals with conditions such as paralysis, arthritis, or spasticity may need special positioning techniques.
• Challenging behaviours are present: If an individual may resist the move or become distressed, it’s safer to get support.
• Sensory impairments exist: Issues like blindness or deafness may require adjustments, especially if clear communication during moving is vital.
• Medical equipment is involved: If there’s a catheter, oxygen tank, or other devices in use, improper handling could cause harm or discomfort.

If you’re unsure how to proceed in these situations, always ask for guidance on proper techniques or equipment selection.

Lack of Training or Familiarity

You should seek assistance if you are not trained in a particular moving or positioning task. Examples include:

• New to the role or task: If you’ve just started or haven’t been trained to perform certain techniques, don’t attempt it without supervision.
• No prior experience with the needed equipment: If a hoist, slide sheet, or other piece of equipment is required, incorrect use could harm the individual or yourself.
• Policies have changed: Organisational procedures or government guidelines on manual handling may be updated, so check if you’re unsure.

Training is vital to ensure you understand how to move individuals safely. Asking a senior colleague or attending a refresher course prevents mistakes.

Unavailability of Proper Equipment

In many scenarios, using the right equipment makes moving or positioning safer. If this equipment is unavailable or unsuitable, assistance is crucial. For example:

• Broken or faulty hoists: Never try to compensate by lifting without a hoist if one is required.
• No access to slide sheets: Slide sheets are essential for moving individuals in bed; seek help if they are not available.
• Poorly maintained wheelchairs or walking aids: Broken handles or wobbly wheels need fixing before use.

If equipment isn’t readily available or you’re unsure about its suitability, report this and amend your approach. Using makeshift tools is dangerous and must be avoided.

Environmental Risks

The surrounding environment can present hazards during movement. You should ask for assistance if:

• Space is restricted: Tight or cluttered spaces may prevent you from performing a safe move alone.
• Floors are slippery or uneven: This could increase the risk of tripping or falling.
• Furniture is in the way: Moving heavy furniture may require additional people.

Risk assessments should identify such hazards beforehand. If they haven’t been done or the area appears unsafe, don’t proceed alone.

Individual’s Comfort and Consent

Respecting the comfort and autonomy of the person you’re supporting is just as important as ensuring their safety. Seek advice if:

• They refuse assistance: The individual may not want to be moved or positioned the way you intend.
• They are in pain: Tight muscles, joint stiffness, or current injuries may need a new approach.
• They communicate discomfort: Verbal or nonverbal signals of distress might mean additional support or techniques are needed.

Never rush through a task if the individual appears uncomfortable or distressed. Seeking advice ensures their dignity remains intact.

Legal and Organisational Requirements

Following workplace policies and legal frameworks like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is non-negotiable. Advice or assistance may be needed if:

• You are unsure about regulations: For example, manual handling legislation restricts unsafe lifting techniques.
• Your workplace policy demands worker assistance in certain tasks: Many organisations specify situations where two or more workers are mandatory.

Familiarise yourself with these policies. Workers who fail to comply could face disciplinary action.

Feeling Uncertain or Unsafe

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and ask for help. Anxiety or doubt in your ability to perform a task is a valid reason to seek assistance. This protects both you and the person requiring care.

Steps to Take When Seeking Support

When you decide support is needed, follow these steps:

1. Pause the task: Stop before attempting the move; never take risks.
2. Communicate clearly: Explain why you need assistance. Provide specific details about the challenge.
3. Contact a supervisor: They may suggest alternatives, provide training, or assign additional staff.
4. Request help from colleagues: Ensure they are trained and feel capable of assisting.
5. Review the care plan: Check for any specific instructions that might help.
6. Document challenges: Report unsafe equipment or poor conditions to your manager.

All these actions ensure a safer experience for everyone involved.

Why Asking for Help is Important

Seeking assistance protects you from injury and ensures the best care for individuals. It prevents serious consequences such as:

• Health complications for the individual: Incorrect manoeuvring can cause bruises, dislocations, or other harm.
• Injuries to workers: Manual handling injuries are a leading cause of staff absence in care workplaces.
• Emotional distress: Both the individual and worker could feel anxious if something goes wrong.

It’s never wrong to ask for help. Taking this step shows professionalism and care for those you support.