Human body free essay sample

One of the most important parts of the body is the spinal column. It is made up of individual bones called vertebrae. Joints connect all of these individual bones together and ligaments connect to bones to support joints. Not moving an individual correctly can cause stress and injury to the spinal column, this can cause ligaments to sprain. this is why individuals should never be dragged when moving them as the joints in their back may over stretch and cause sprained ligaments. Muscles are very important too. They work by using the fibres they contain contracting and relaxing, this makes the muscles either become shorter or longer. Muscles are connected to bones by tendons. When a muscle shortens it pulls on the tendon which then pulls on the bone, then making the movement. When moving and positioning an individual all movements must happen slowly and smoothly. If this does not happen, sudden movements or pulling in any direction of the individual can cause pulled muscles or torn tendons which can be excruciatingly painful. Bones are important too. Elderly peoples bones may not be as strong as they used to be which is why moving and handling correctly is so important. All bones in the body are covered with tissue. Being elderly peoples bones can become quite weak they become more prone to injury if moving and positioning is not carried out correctly. For example, if too much pressure is applied to the individuals hand or arm when they are moving from one position to another may cause a bone to fracture. Fracture may also occur if equipment is fault or not used correctly. For example if the wrong sling is used when hoisting and the individual falls out, or if a hoist was to fall onto the individual when moving. These could both cause quite serious injury to the individual resulting in a lot of pain. Task 2: Describe the impact of specific conditions on the correct movement and positioning of an individual Each individual could have different needs when moving and positioning and as a carer you need to pick up on these needs and work with the individual when helping moving and positioning. For example an individual with arthritis may be in a lot of pain so when moving and positioning you must use very slow smooth movement trying to make the individual as comfortable as possible. An individual who is visually impaired will need a lot of support and guidance and also a lot of reassurance and you explaining what you are going to be doing, step by step. An individual with dementia who may be confused might not understand what you are saying, so showing the individual what you are going to do, slowly and clearly, will reassure them and make them comfortable with what they need to do. Describe how current legislation and agreed ways of working affect working practices related to moving and positioning individuals There are many legislations that as employees we must follow and training that go with these legislations that we must attend and keep up to date. Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations; this brought in the introduction of risk assessment, risks when moving and positioning individuals must be assessed and if any risks are found, a risk assessment must be put in place immediately having the individual sign the assessment and knowing the risks. Also all staff must be training in moving and positioning individuals. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations this introduced the requirement for employers to provide lifting equipment that is safe for staff and individuals to use and well maintained. All staff must be trained in how to use these pieces of equipment. The Manual Handling Operations Regulations, this is for employers and states that they must carry out risk assessment for all moves and try to reduce the risk of injury from happening. Also to avoid dangerous moving and handling, the employees then have the responsibility of making sure they use all equipment as they have been trained to do so, follow all health and safety working practices within their workplace, avoid putting themselves, other staff, individuals or visitors at risk, and making sure they report any hazards or risks to their employer. Agreed ways of working means that employers must have the correct and up to date workplace policies and procedures in place for moving and handling. These must be explained to all staff, training and supervision must also be provided. it is also important that employees read these policies and procedures, if anything is unclear then ask, all training must be attended, that they are supported with understanding each individuals different needs, the moves needed and all equipment being used. Task 4: Describe what health and safety factors need to be taken into account when moving and handling individuals and any equipment used to do this Before moving and handling individuals, the health and safety of the individual, others and myself must come first and at the same time adhering to the workplace policies and procedures that are in place. No moving and handling should be done if you havent had the correct training to do so. To comply with health and safety regulations you must be wearing the correct clothing and footwear to ensure no one gets harmed. For example only closed toe shoes may be worn because when using a hoist you may run over your toes. Making sure all the necessary risk assessments are in place before moving and handling an individual. You must not use any equipment you have not been trained to use, if trained, you must make sure you have adequate space to perform the move. Making sure all the equipment is checked before using it, if a hoist is charged and all equipment is clean and safe to use. Making sure there are no obstacles in the way, like loose rugs, or clothes, and if so moving them out of the way ensuring they will not fall back in your way. Making sure the correct PPE is worn and making sure hands are washed before and after the move has taken place. Also you must check on what that individuals specifics needs are if you don’t already know, for example you may not know that the individual has had a stroke and weight bearing may be difficult for them. you would then be able to use your training and knowledge to come up with a safe and risk free way of moving and positioning. Task 5: What different aids and equipment may be used for moving and handling Different aids and equipment are used depending on the needs of the individual and what movement they can do themselves. Hoists and slings are use when the individual has no or very little movement meaning they can not move from one position to another. There are different sized and shaped slings for individuals of different height and weight. Slide boards are used when an individual is quite independant that just need a little support when moving from their bed to a chair and back for example. Handling belts are used when an individual may be a little unsteady when standing so they may need a little assistance so holding on to the handles of the belt can give them a little reassurance and to stop them from falling over. Grab handles are also put in place for example next to the bath or toilet to make individuals independant when standing, and walking frames with or without wheels can enable individuals to walk independently. Task 6: Describe what sources of information are available about moving and handling individuals There should be many different ways of sourcing information not just outside the workplace but at your workplace as well. You can gain information from the workplace policies and procedures that are in place, an individuals risk assessments and care plans, asking your colleagues and manager for any advice or information. Sometimes you can also seek advice from health care professionals such as physiotherapists or moving and handling specialists by asking specific questions or advice about anything you may need to know. Training courses and information leaflets are very helpful too.