Safe Use of Disability Equipment and Manual Handling: Legal Aspects — Part 2,Manual Handling

Abstract

Part 1 of this article dealt with disability equipment. Part 2 deals with the law of manual handling and its practical implications for occupational therapists and their patients, clients and colleagues. It does so by considering the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 themselves together with associated guidance, complementary health and safety at work legislation, the common law of negligence and a substantial body of case law handed down from the courts. In particular, it covers legal terms such as reasonable practicability, risk assessments and resource implications, emergency or exceptional situations, and balancing the health and safety of staff with the needs and wishes of patients and clients.

It is concluded that an awareness of manual handling law is likely to facilitate better understanding and organisation of responsibilities, policies, procedures and practices. In turn, this will benefit staff, patients and clients by raising standards of decision making, and is likely to increase safety, reduce potential legal liability and save time and money.