Manual handling for healthcare professionals

Safe handling of loads

In this resource we will define the term load for both inanimate objects and people, explores the risk factors related to handling tasks and considers them in relation to 'L' (load) within the context of TILE risk assessments.

The term 'manual handling' refers to moving objects and 'moving and handling' when moving and handling people and referencing legislation. When moving and handling people, several different terms can be used such as 'patient', 'service user', 'client', 'customer' or 'resident'. The term 'patient' is used as a reference for the person being handled.