What Is Moving and Handling?

Moving and handling refers to any activity involving lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, supporting or repositioning people or objects.

Within health and social care this commonly includes:

• Assisting someone from bed to chair
• Helping a person stand or walk
• Repositioning someone in bed
• Using hoists and transfer equipment
• Moving wheelchairs
• Handling medical equipment
• Transporting supplies safely

The aim is always to reduce risk while maintaining the dignity, comfort and independence of the person being supported.

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Why Is Moving and Handling Training Important?

Manual handling injuries remain one of the leading causes of work-related sickness absence across the UK.

Healthcare professionals frequently perform physically demanding tasks that can place considerable strain on the:

• Back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Knees
• Wrists

Without proper training, even routine activities can result in long-term injuries.

Good moving and handling training helps staff:

• Prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
• Reduce workplace accidents
• Protect vulnerable people
• Improve confidence
• Meet legal responsibilities
• Promote safer working environments

Ultimately, safe moving and handling benefits everyone involved.

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UK Moving and Handling Legislation

Several pieces of UK legislation place responsibilities on employers and employees regarding moving and handling.

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act requires employers to provide safe working environments, appropriate training and suitable equipment to protect staff and others.

External guidance:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm

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Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)

These regulations specifically require employers to:

• Avoid hazardous manual handling where possible
• Assess unavoidable risks
• Reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable

This legislation forms the basis of most moving and handling policies across healthcare settings.

External guidance:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/manualhandling.htm

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Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Employers must carry out suitable risk assessments and implement measures to control identified hazards.

External guidance:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/risk/index.htm

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LOLER and PUWER

Where lifting equipment such as hoists is used, employers must also comply with:

• Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER)
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)

These ensure equipment is safe, maintained and inspected regularly.

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Understanding Risk Assessments

Every moving and handling activity should begin with a risk assessment.

Rather than relying on assumptions, staff should consider the individual circumstances before assisting someone.

A suitable assessment considers:

The Person

Think about:

• Mobility
• Weight-bearing ability
• Communication needs
• Medical conditions
• Pain levels
• Cognitive impairment
• Behaviour that may affect safety

No two individuals have identical moving and handling needs.

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The Task

Ask yourself:

• What movement is required?
• How often is it performed?
• Is assistance needed?
• Can it be avoided?

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The Environment

Check:

• Floor surfaces
• Lighting
• Space available
• Trip hazards
• Access routes
• Furniture positioning

Even well-planned moves can become unsafe if the environment changes.

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The Equipment

Ensure equipment is:

• Appropriate
• Clean
• Well maintained
• Correctly adjusted
• Suitable for the individual

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Safer Moving and Handling Principles

Good practice is based on reducing unnecessary strain while maintaining safety.

Key principles include:

Encourage Independence

Always encourage individuals to do as much as they safely can for themselves.

Supporting independence:

• Maintains dignity
• Promotes rehabilitation
• Improves confidence
• Reduces physical strain on staff

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Avoid Unnecessary Lifting

Modern care practice focuses on avoiding manual lifting whenever possible.

Instead, staff should use:

• Hoists
• Slide sheets
• Transfer boards
• Standing aids
• Wheelchairs
• Profiling beds

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Plan Before Moving

Never rush.

Before beginning:

• Explain the process
• Prepare equipment
• Clear obstacles
• Agree communication
• Check brakes and safety features

Good preparation prevents accidents.

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Work as a Team

When assistance from colleagues is required:

• Allocate roles
• Communicate clearly
• Count together
• Move smoothly
• Stop immediately if anything feels unsafe

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Equipment Awareness

Moving and handling equipment is designed to reduce risk—not replace good judgement.

Common equipment includes:

Mobile Hoists

Used for individuals unable to stand independently.

Staff should always:

• Use the correct sling
• Follow manufacturer guidance
• Ensure brakes are used appropriately
• Complete pre-use safety checks

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Standing Aids

Suitable for people who can partially weight bear.

These encourage greater independence while reducing strain on carers.

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Slide Sheets

Help reposition people in bed with minimal friction.

Correct use significantly reduces pulling forces on both staff and service users.

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Transfer Boards

Often used during seated transfers.

They allow smoother movement while reducing lifting.

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Wheelchairs

Staff should understand:

• Brake operation
• Footrest positioning
• Safe transfers
• Safe transportation

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Posture Basics

Good posture plays a major role in preventing injury.

Safe posture generally includes:

• Stable base of support
• Feet shoulder-width apart
• Natural spinal alignment
• Bending knees rather than the back
• Keeping loads close to the body
• Avoiding twisting while lifting

Small improvements in posture can significantly reduce injury risk over time.

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Staff Responsibilities

Safe moving and handling is everyone’s responsibility.

Healthcare workers should:

• Follow workplace policies
• Attend training
• Report faulty equipment
• Report incidents and near misses
• Use equipment correctly
• Follow care plans
• Ask for help when needed

Staff should never attempt unsafe manoeuvres simply because they are under time pressure.

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Common Moving and Handling Mistakes

Avoiding common mistakes helps reduce injuries.

These include:

• Skipping risk assessments
• Attempting unsafe lifts
• Using incorrect equipment
• Poor communication
• Working alone when assistance is required
• Ignoring pain or discomfort
• Failing to report damaged equipment

Good practice is built on consistency.

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Person-Centred Moving and Handling

Moving and handling is not simply about physical movement.

Every interaction should respect the individual’s:

• Privacy
• Choice
• Comfort
• Independence
• Communication preferences
• Cultural needs

Safe care should always be person-centred.

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The Importance of Regular Refresher Training

Knowledge and best practice evolve over time.

Refresher training helps staff:

• Maintain competence
• Learn updated guidance
• Refresh practical knowledge
• Improve confidence
• Reduce workplace injuries

Many healthcare providers include moving and handling as part of their mandatory annual training programme, alongside workplace risk assessments and competency reviews where appropriate.

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Online Moving and Handling Awareness Training with Caredemy

Caredemy’s Moving and Handling Awareness Training has been developed for UK health and social care professionals.

The course helps learners understand:

• Moving and handling legislation
• Risk assessment principles
• Safe handling techniques
• Equipment awareness
• Staff responsibilities
• Injury prevention
• Best practice in healthcare settings

Learners can study online at their own pace from any device, making it ideal for care homes, domiciliary care providers, NHS staff, supported living services and other healthcare organisations.

Explore our Moving and Handling Awareness Training and wider Mandatory Training library at:

Internal links

• https://caredemy.co.uk/
• https://caredemy.co.uk/course-category/manual-handling/
• https://caredemy.co.uk/course-category/mandatory-training/

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is moving and handling training a legal requirement?

Employers have legal duties under UK health and safety legislation to provide suitable information, instruction and training where manual handling risks exist.

How often should moving and handling training be refreshed?

Many employers provide refresher training annually, although frequency should be based on workplace risk assessments, local policies and staff responsibilities.

Does moving and handling always involve lifting?

No. It includes pushing, pulling, supporting, repositioning, carrying and moving people or objects safely.

Who should complete moving and handling training?

It is suitable for care workers, nurses, healthcare assistants, support workers, domiciliary carers, therapists and anyone whose role involves assisting people or manual handling tasks.

Can poor moving and handling cause long-term injury?

Yes. Incorrect techniques can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries, shoulder injuries and other long-term health problems.

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Learn Safe Moving and Handling with Caredemy

Safe moving and handling is essential for protecting both care staff and the people they support. Understanding risk assessments, using appropriate equipment, maintaining good posture and following safe working practices can significantly reduce injuries while improving the quality of care.

Whether you’re new to healthcare or refreshing your knowledge, effective training helps you work confidently, safely and in line with UK best practice.

Explore Caredemy’s online Moving and Handling Awareness Training today and build the knowledge you need to support safer care across every healthcare setting.