The Common-Sense Approach to Moving and Handling of Disabled Children and Young People- Easy Read

Managing Risk

"No lifting" is not a good way to control moving and handling risks.

An across the board no lifting policy removes some handling risks, but totally ignores the needs and rights of the child and young person. It is better for employers to do risk management.

The right approach to safe moving and handling is through the five steps of the risk assessment:

Risk cannot be eliminated completely. Risk management is about reducing risk as far as possible.

The law says employers must:

• Make sure that the moving and handling needs are clearly identified so there is as little risk to the child or young person and worker(s) as possible
• Change moving and handling plans if necessary.

It is very important from a children's rights perspective that employers should:

• Involve the child or young person and their worker(s) in the risk assessment and decision making
• Go through the moving and handling plans with the child or young person and their workers
• Make sure that the dignity of the child or young person is preserved.