5. Examples of risk assessment

Moving a box from the floor from one side of the room to the other
Handling operations include lifting, carrying and putting down

To enable a patient to walk using a walking frame

Patient to transfer into their wheelchair using a transfer board and handler to assist the patient from A to B

Moving patient from one bed surface to another using a transfer slide

Plastic box with moulded handles
No sharp areas
Contains a number of files which have been packed so the weight doesn’t shift
Overall weight is 4kgs

To give encouragement and reassurance

Fit and well
Individual has in date moving and handling wheelchair and transfer board training
Individual is able to push the patient in the wheelchair

All fit and well (x5)
All have had moving and handling transfer slide training and and have been trained to use slide sheets
One individual to take the lead and ensure good communication

No injuries or musculoskeletal pain
Has no previous handling training
Has previous experience of moving boxes from the floor

Patient is able to stand and walk with a walking frame
Patient can be unsteady when tired
Patient can sit and stand and stand and sit without help
No previous falls

Patient has a weakness on their right side but is able to self-transfer into the wheelchair using a transfer board

Patient is unable to help
Airway to be maintained at all times
Patient has a catheter in place and a drip attached to their right back of hand

Vinyl floor
Clear route
No trip hazards present
No spills
Lighting

Clear route
No trip hazards
Level flooring
Lighting
Space to move in

Inside transfer only
Clear route
No slopes or trip hazards
Level flooring
Lighting
Space to move in

Level flooring
Lighting
Space to move in

Not required

Wheelchair
(Please don’t tip the wheelchair forward - tip back using tipping bars for the shortest amount of time)



Transfer board

Beds



Transfer slide

Long, flat side sheets (x2)

Walking frame
Check for stability through the ferrals, no dents, pins are all correct and in place, grips are fixed

Check wheelchair for maintenance stickers, safe working load, good tyre pressure, brakes work, footplates in place, arm rests in place, hand grips fixed, safety straps
Extra cushioning, leg or head rests?

Check transfer board for safe working load, cracks and snags
Non-slip pads in place underneath

Must ensure the beds are level or that the receiving bed is slightly lower and brakes must be on

Check it is clean with no cracks or snags

Check they are clean with no holes or rips

Walking frame (may need to check suitable height for patient)

Check patient has used this equipment previously

Walking frame isn’t left too far away from the patient so they can’t reach it or too near where they can trip over it

Avoid bumping and jarring the patient when moving or stopping

To pick up the box, get close to it and use your legs either side of the box or on a diagonal line.
Keep the box within your comfort zone, lift it up and walk to the other side of the room.
Place it down on the floor whilst keeping it close to you and within your comfort zone.

To approach patient and ensure the walking frame is close by.
Allow the patient to come forward in their chair. Feet flat on the floor, one slightly in front.
Patient to stand up using arms of the chair to push up from, learning slightly forward and looking ahead, as they stand and then hold the walking frame.
Patient encouraged to walk steadily with their frame.

Assist the patient to put in the transfer board under their right thigh. Ensure a third of the board is under patient’s right thigh, a third in space and a third on the second seat. Ensure levels between the two surfaces chair and wheelchair are as level as can be and the footplates are turned to the side and the brakes are on.
Encourage the patient to self-manage into the wheelchair and then remove the transfer board. Allow the patient to put their feet on to the footplates. Secure any straps. Remind patient to keep their hands and arms inside the wheelchair and check their feet are placed well on the foot rests.
Brakes off. Handler to push using their legs, keeping an upright spine the wheelchair close.
When stopped always apply the brakes.

One handler to manage the head and airway of the patient and to act as lead for the move.
Two handlers (pushers) one side and two handlers (receivers) on the opposite side of the patient.
Lead handler gives instructions.
Receivers roll patient onto their side and place one slide sheet down the length of the patient body. This is supported by the pushers.
Receivers place the transfer slide alongside the patient and bring in the second bed with the second slide sheet in place.
Allow the patient to roll onto the slide sheet, transfer slide, so at least half the patient and their legs are on the transfer slide.
The pushers push the patient (upper arm and hip and between thigh and ankle) across to the middle and the receivers pull towards the second bed.
Patient is made secure by removing the transfer slide by the pushers and taking the slide sheets out by the receivers.
First bed is removed.