Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 2006 (MHSAW) 

Sets out a range of responsibilities for employers with regards to the undertaking of risk assessments of all hazardous workplace activities. 

In the context of people handling, this will compliment the Manual Handling Operations Regulations, 1992 and include assessing the risks to the clients and care staff when undertaking hazardous people handling operations. 

Risk Assessment 

All those affected by risk should be made aware of the nature of risks and the appropriate measures in place. 

• Employers are required to make a written report of any significant risks identified within the assessment. 

• Specific risk assessments should be in place for; persons under 18 years of age, expectant mothers, mothers who have given birth in the previous 6 months, breastfeeding mothers. 

• Employer must regularly review risk assessments to ensure still applicable to activities 

Principles of Risk Prevention 

Employers must implement protective and preventative measures where hazardous workplace practices are involved. 

These measures may include: Avoiding Risks – wherever reasonably practible. 

Evaluating Risks that cannot be avoided: 

• Considering a mechanical process to undertake the activity e.g. hoists for lifting.  

• Adapting the activity for the person e.g. 2 person task, use of equipment.  

• Offering training, instruction and supervision, adapted and repeated as required. 

Employee Duties 

Each employee must take care of their own health and safety e.g. adhere to procedures, correct use of equipment, report hazards. 

• Duty of care 

• Attend training and ensure you know what safe manoeuvres are (and know when to say no) 

• Use safe systems and follow manual handling policies 

• Assess risks 

• Reports acts of omission 

• Report any physical/medical conditions that would detrimentally affect their practice to the appropriate manager