Proposing a common sense approach to assessing the risks posed by physical intervention techniques

Irrespective of whether they are universally accepted or approved, physical intervention techniques are being applied, in a variety of health and care settings, on a daily basis. Every time a technique is applied there is a risk of injury. Therefore, there is an imperative to develop an effective way in which such techniques can be effectively risk assessed. The development of a process that is robust enough to evaluate all types of techniques, and is simple and concise enough to engender widespread and regular use could eliminate the use of unnecessary and inappropriate techniques. This paper discusses how the five-step model proposed in the UK by the Health & Safety Executive as well as a common sense approach to completing assessments could be used to simplify the process.