Safe use of hoists and how to prevent injury

Many residents of care homes will require manual handling to move from place to place within a care home setting; hoists are the most common manual handling aids used in order to help both staff and residents to move more easily and without risk.

Hoists can be used in care homes to lift people who have fallen, help them stand, help them move, lift them into and out of bed or into and out of the bath.

A sling is a supportive equipment with a hoist that assists in lifting or transferring. It’s where the patients sit or get direct support during the process.

Slings are separable from hoists so that you can switch between different sizes or types of slings for hoists depending on the physical traits of the individual.

Risk factors with hoists

Size – The wrong size of hoist can result in discomfort and potentially a soft tissue injury if the sling is too small; if the hoist is too large then there is a risk of someone slipping through the hoist, which increases risk the risk falling and subsequent injury.

Wrong type of hoist – There are a number of different types of hoist and each one will have varying degrees of access and support depending on the type of function they provide; some of the most commonly used hoists are: stationary hoists, mobile hoists, ceiling track hoists, bath hoists, sitting and standing hoists. Use of the incorrect hoist in the wrong circumstances may lead to inadequate support and increase the risk of falling.

Inadequate maintenance of hoists – Hoisting equipment can fail due to lack of maintenance or inspection and must be regularly checked. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) require employers to make sure that lifting equipment is inspected and examined thoroughly at 6-month intervals.

Incorrect use of hoists – In particular, failure to use a safety harness, belt or attachment appropriately can increase the risk of injury.

Other risk factors include: leaving a vulnerable person unattended in a hoist, transporting an individual over a long distance on a hoist, or not following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Risk Assessment/Care Plan

Each individual resident of a care home should have their own tailored care plan and risk assessment completed in respect of whether hoisting is required and what type of hoist should be used in what set of circumstances.

The risk assessment should include:

• which hoist to use for which task
• type and size of sling and any configurations of loops or leg attachments
• use of any additional safety devices such as safety belts
• number of carers needed to carry out the task
• any other relevant information specific to the person being hoisted

 Have an enquiry?

Irvings Law are specialists in handling claims involving care home neglect and injury. We are committed to fighting neglect in care homes, and securing financial compensation for victims of home care injuries.

We act on a “no win – no fee” basis. If your claim is successful, the costs are paid by the Defendant. If the claim is not successful, you do not pay our costs.

Has your loved one been injuries as a result of neglect or injury in a care home?

Contact us for a no obligation confidential chat by telephone on 0151 475 1999 or use our free phone number 0800 954 0243 and talk to our specialist care home injury team. Alternatively you can submit your enquiry to us by email to info@irvingslaw.com.