Moving and handling in the community: update on legislation and best practice

Over £ 400 million per year is spent on back injuries to NHS staff, and back injuries are the largest single cause of work-related sickness in the UK health sector. Moving and handling is an integral part of practice in a community setting, and community nurses face unique challenges to ensure the safety of and minimize risk to both patients and themselves. As with any care activity, moving and handling needs have to be assessed, planned for, implemented and evaluated. This article explains the legislation related to moving and handling, with particular application to community nurses. It focuses on the Health and Safety Executive's (2009) advice Working Alone: Health and Safety Guidance on the Risks of Lone Working, which reinforced that employers have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all their employees while they are at work. Employers have a duty to assess risks to lone workers and take steps to avoid or control these risks. Employees have the responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves and others. This article also explores the assessment of the specific risks nurses in the community are confronted with and provides advice on addressing and minimizing these risks at work, both in the client's home and in health-care facilities.