A National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS) search identified 15 occurrences in a recent four year period where a person has come to harm through falls from hoists, including one death and three severe injuries. Injuries included hip, leg and ankle fractures, head injuries, lacerations and haematomas. The incidents occurred in acute hospitals, care homes and individuals’ own homes. The problems described potentially affect mechanical and electrical hoists, free-standing, ceiling or wallmounted hoists, and hoists used as bathing aids and standing aids.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received 78 reports including three deaths and nine incidents resulting in severe injury. A number of hoist-related incidents were also reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under Reporting Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR).
Analysis of the MHRA and NRLS data reveal similar themes:
• Failure to follow correct manual handling procedures including instructions on number of carers required to perform manoeuvre.
• Inadequate assessment of service user ability/disability and selection of equipment.
• Sling straps incorrectly fitted to hoist and/ or the person being lifted.
• Wrong size or type of sling used.
• Unclear responsibility for equipment maintenance.
All of Premiere Healthcare’s service engineers and assessment team are highly qualified, have completed moving and handling training and undergo regular updates. As such we are confident that they are able to assist staff safely in all moving and handling situations. Additionally, we work with our customers to carry out routine maintenance checks and thorough examinations required by Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER).
For advice on this area, please do not hesitate to call 01684 279818 and speak to a member of our knowledgeable and experience team.
