EDGE services March 2016 Newsletter by Gambit

Spring 2016

NEWS LETTER

EDGE services NHS Trust Fined after 87-Year-Old is Fatally Injured Following a Fall from a Hoist Kent and Medway NHS Social Care Partnership Trust has been fined for safety failings after an 87-year-old man suffered fatal injuries after he slipped from a hoist.

Following this reported incident, an investigation by the HSE found that (on 9 April 2008) there was poor communication between the nursing staff and the agency care workers. It also found that the care plan was Maidstone Crown Court heard how not clear and, in any case, was the man, who was suffering from not shared with the agency carers. dementia, was being cared for at the There was no consideration of the Frank Lloyd Unit, Sittingbourne, by the risk of using a bathroom in another Kent and Medway NHS Social Care ward which precluded any active Partnership Trust. On 9 April 2008, he supervision of the agency carers. was being bathed, slipped from the hoist and fell about three feet suffering Kent and Medway NHS Social serious injuries. He died the next day Care Partnership Trust was fined in Medway Maritime hospital. a total of £107,000 and ordered to pay a further £25,000 in costs after pleading guilty to breaches of Sections 3(1) of the Health and Training Courses Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

across the UK: • People Handling • Children Handling • Inanimate Object Handling • Understanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges • Health, Safety and General Risk Assessment

EDGE Services reported in its last newsletter on a Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and NHS England joint patient safety alert on ‘Risk of death and serious harm by falling from hoists’ issued at the end of last year. This alert followed a number of reported incidents over a four year period from sources including the MHRA, the HSE and the National Reporting and Learning System (NRLS).

These reports suggest existing advice on training and supporting staff to safely use hoists and slings had not always been reliably and systematically implemented. Key areas where opportunities to prevent harm appeared to be around ensuring staff have “This case has shown that it’s not completed initial moving and handling enough to have well-intentioned management procedures if these are training as well as hoist-specific training, ensuring staff have the skills not followed through at ward level. There must be a robust mechanism to recognise changes in an individual’s medical condition and sling-hoist to communicate care needs to all compatibility knowledge. staff including temporary agency staff. Clear communication is an For further advice visit essential part of good management.” www.england.nhs.uk/patientsafety HSE inspector Jan Combs said, after the hearing: “The combination of circumstances that allowed this accident to happen should never have been allowed to occur.

www.edgeservices.co.uk 01904 677853 Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 1

02/03/2016 13:51

Spring 2016 Newsletter

Editor’s column

Welcome to EDGE Services’ Spring 2016 newsletter. Section 3 (1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 reads ‘It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.’ It seems simple enough and yet one cannot help be struck that this fairly simple sentence, and fatal breaches of it, feature in no less than four pieces in this issue of the EDGE newsletter. Whilst the vast majority of organisations operating in the UK care industry conduct themselves in a proper manner there are still too many it seems – both public and private – who may read the words but do not understand the meaning of this vital legislation. Of course, we also endeavour to bring news that shines a positive light on our industry and, in this issue, we are heartened by the revealing survey undertaken by the trade union UNISON and the shared project of the CQC and Neighbourhood Watch intended to improve health and social care. As, it seems, we will all in the future be living longer, such initiatives are much needed. Best wishes, Kate Lovett.

FATAL INJURY TO 82-YEAR-OLD MOBILITY SCOOTER USER The NHS Litigation Authority has been prosecuted after an 82 year old man fell 12 feet to his death from an elevated walkway outside a health centre. Benjamin John Withers from Fareham in Hampshire died after the mobility scooter he was driving collided with a wooden weather screen which was situated around the main entrance and access bridge to Fareham Health centre. The collision caused a section to give way and Mr Withers and his mobility scooter fell through the gap onto a walkway below. Portsmouth Crown Court heard that on 20th September 2012, Mr Withers left the centre after attending an appointment and accidentally drove his mobility scooter forward into the side of the glazed screen instead of reversing away from it. After the initial impact he then moved forward again and fell through the opening in the screen which had partially given way. A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found the barrier had not been constructed to the required standard to resist impact from a mobility scooter, no assessment had been made to consider the suitability of the weather screen and the structure had not been adequately maintained. The investigation also found that the collapsed section was so badly decayed that portions of the wood could be easily removed by hand. Planned maintenance work to replace the rotten wood had been cancelled and rescheduled on more than twenty occasions without ever being carried out. NHS Litigation Authority of Buckingham Palace Road London, pleaded guilty to breaching s.3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £15,000 costs. Speaking after the hearing Mr Wither’s son Trevor spoke on behalf of his family: “This has been a traumatic event for all my family; due to these breaches in health and safety our family has lost a devoted husband, father and grandfather.” HSE Inspector Michael Baxter said: “This tragic incident could have easily been avoided if the barrier at Fareham Health Centre had met the well-known and established standards for design and construction of barriers and if the required maintenance had been carried out as soon as it was identified. “Instead a family has lost a well-loved husband and father. Mobile scooters are being used increasingly, especially in pedestrian areas. Businesses need to appreciate this and ensure existing structures and barriers are re-assessed to ensure they are suitable for these machines.”

EDGE services Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 2

02/03/2016 13:51

Spring 2016 Newsletter

The Curse of the 15 Minute Home Care Visit

A recent UNISON report entitled “Suffering Alone at Home” suggests that three quarters of local authorities in England are still limiting home visits to elderly and disabled clients to just 15 minutes. Currently around 500,000 people in England receive regular home care visits, most of which are organised by local councils, although in the main the service is provided by external care agencies working within the local community. The report which was based on an online survey of over 1000 home care workers and data obtained from a Freedom of Information request for which all 152 councils with responsibility for social care responded, found “distressing” cases of care. Three quarters of care staff who filled out the survey complained that they felt they did not have enough time to provide dignified care and reported feeling “angry, ashamed and embarrassed” by the standard of care they could provide for the elderly and disabled people they visited. They said that they regularly don’t have time to stop for a conversation during their visits due to the limited time allocated and they felt that a quarter of an hour wasn’t long enough to prepare a nutritional meal or assess any change in a person’s health. One carer said “I had to visit a lady who is 102-yearsold, for a shower, help her get dressed, make food, tidy her kitchen, give her medication and put her bins out in 20 minutes. It’s humiliating as we haven’t got time for a chat”. In addition, half of those surveyed said they had been asked to provide personal care for individuals that they had not met before. The survey also identified that more than a third of the people that home care workers saw hardly ever had visits from friends or relatives, making the time they were able to spend with them all the more important. Commenting on the survey, UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said “It is heartbreaking and distressing that many elderly and disabled people are not being cared for in a humane and dignified manner. Homecare workers have shared their harrowing stories with a strong sense of sadness, guilt, and ultimately disgust at a broken homecare system. Eye-watering cuts imposed by the government means councils are still booking the shortest possible visits to care for the vulnerable, frail and isolated elderly people. Homecare workers are often the only face some people see all day and they are a lifeline: only they can call for help and ensure that the housebound people they care for are fed, washed and well”. Although local authorities are not meant to schedule a

15 minute visit for personal care for help with activities like washing and dressing or administering medication, it appears that these appointments are still occurring on a regular basis within three quarters (74%) of local authorities in England. Ministers have been demanding councils in charge of care services put an end to these 15 minute visits known as “flying visits”. This follows guidance issued by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) last year who proposed that home care visits should be at least 30 minutes in length unless it was as a quick check on the client as part of a wider care package. Responding to the findings of this report Councillor Izzi Seccombe from the Local Government Association said “Short visits are sadly just one of the many symptoms of a social care and support system that is under enormous financial pressure”. For more information on the UNISON survey or to find out more about their campaign save care now! Go to www. unison.org.uk/news/magazine/2016/02/homecare-incrisis/

www.edgeservices.co.uk 01904 677853

Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 3

02/03/2016 13:51

Spring 2016 Newsletter

Legionella Death at Care Home Reading Borough Council (RBC) has been fined following an investigation into the death of a pensioner who died from exposure to legionella. During the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution, Reading Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Lewis Payne, a 95-year-old vulnerable gentleman, arrived at the RBC operated care facility, The Willows, on 24 September 2012. He had previously been in hospital having suffered a broken leg and was attending The Willows to receive intermediate care before returning to his own home. However, during his stay he began feeling unwell, complaining of aches and pains including tightness of the chest, shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. He was also suffering from nausea. On 16 October 2012 he was re-admitted to hospital and a sample proved positive for the presence of Legionella. He underwent treatment for Legionnaire’s disease, but died on 1 November 2012 from pneumonia related to legionella. The prosecution said the control and management arrangements needed to ensure the risk from legionella is minimised, need to be robust. The court was told, prior to November 2012, RBC’s arrangements were not robust enough in a number of areas. The Legionella training for the key personnel at The Willows was significantly below the standard required. There were inadequate temperature checks and some of those done with respect to Thermostatic Mixer Valves (TMVs) were done incorrectly. Showers were not descaled and disinfected quarterly as required; flushing of little used outlets was reliant on one member of staff and there was no procedure for this to be done in the absence of that member of staff. HSE said the failings were systemic and continued over a

HSE Prosecute Council after Vulnerable Man Choked to Death A council has been prosecuted after the death of a vulnerable day visitor to one of its care centres. Shrewsbury Crown Court heard Michael Breeze, 53, choked while eating his lunch on 5 September 2012 at council-run day services centre Hartley’s Day Centre, in Shrewsbury. Prosecuting, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told the court Hartley’s Day Opportunity Centre caters for adults with learning disabilities. Mr Breeze was taken to the centre for the day with a packed lunch provided by carers at the residential home where Mr Breeze lived. At around midday the deceased began to eat his lunch when he started to choke and collapsed. Staff at the centre went to Mr Breeze’s assistance, who by then

period of time. There was a history of legionella problems at the home which was formerly known as Tanfield Care Home. The monitoring, checking and flushing tasks were given to the home’s handyman who was inadequately trained and supervised. There was no system in place to cover for him when he was away so that the requisite checks were not done. Reading Borough Council admitted breaching Section 3(1) of Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £100,000 with £20,000 costs in Reading Crown Court. After the hearing, HSE inspector Kelly Nichols said: “Mr Payne’s family has lost a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and just before his death he had become a great, great grandfather. His family expected him to return home from the hospital to resume his normal active life, he never did. “Reading Borough Council could and should have controlled the risk of exposure to legionella to the elderly and infirm as well as those receiving immediate care prior to returning home. RBC’s failings were systemic and continued over a period of time. There was a history of legionella problems at the home. The control and management arrangements were not robust and the legionella training of key personnel fell significantly below the required standard. “The risks from legionella in nursing and care homes and the required control measures to manage those risks have been known and publicised in HSE publications since May 2000. It is really disappointing to find a local authority not managing those risks. It is important for all care providers to ensure they are managing the risks from hot and cold water systems with respect to both legionella and scalding risks especially due to likely exposure of more vulnerable people.”

appeared to have gone into respiratory arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was commenced and paramedics were called. On arrival of paramedics attempt was made to intubate, this was difficult due to food in the trachea. Mr Breeze, who lived at a care home in Sutton Bank, was rushed to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and further CPR was carried out with two lots of adrenaline being given. However, Mr Breeze did not recover. The deceased had a history of choking incidents at both his residential home and day services and the HSE argued that appropriate safeguards were not implemented at Hartley’s Day centre despite these warnings. Shropshire Council admitted breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The council was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay £39,317 in costs.

EDGE services Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 4

02/03/2016 13:51

Spring 2016 Newsletter

Life Expectancy Reaches its Highest Level for over 65s

The length of time people can expect to live once they reach milestones in old age has reached a record high, a new report from Public Health England (PHE) has revealed. Figures show that for those aged 65, men can expect to live for another 19 years and women a further 21 years. However, there is concern that too many older people are living longer in poor health. Professor John Newton, Chief Knowledge Officer at Public Health England, said: “Overall the report presents a positive picture nationally and life expectancy is the highest it’s been since we started measuring. People in England are living longer than ever and that makes achieving a good quality of life in later years even more important. Our current evidence shows that people are living longer but many are doing so in poor health. This report is an opportunity to remind people that, even during mid-life, it is not too late to improve your health.” The report also revealed regional differences in life expectancy. The life expectancy for men aged 65 in London, the South-West, South-East and eastern England was more than a year longer than in the North-East and North-West. In all but one region of England, male and female life expectancy at the age of 65 had lengthened between 2013 and 2014, and it was longer in 2014 than in any other year presented. The exception was the North-East, where male life expectancy was highest in 2013.

The CQC and NHWN in Partnership to Help Improve the Quality of Health and Social Care in Local Communities across England. A partnership between the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) has been forged as part of the CQC’s commitment to working together with national and local voluntary organisations to gather feedback from people about their experiences of care across England.

Age UK have revealed that the numbers of people aged 60 and over are set to increase globally from an estimated 931 million to 1.4 billion by 2030, and nearly one in four people in the UK are expected to be aged 65 or over by 2040. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “It’s great that overall the probability of living longer continues to increase. The fact that there are growing numbers of older people is a real cause for celebration but we want every older person to be able to live life to the full. It’s vital that everyone has access to the right information and support to remain healthy, strong and independent for as long as possible - we all need to age as well as we can, regardless of who we are and where we live.”

Jill Morrell, Head of Public Engagement at the Care Quality Commission, said “We know that Neighbourhood Watch members are invested in building safe and friendly communities, and CQC work to make sure that health and social care services in England provide people with safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care. We see this partnership as an opportunity to work together towards a common goal of improving health and social care within local communities and neighbourhoods.” The partnership was launched in January with the publication of a leaflet available to download from the CQC website www.cqc.org.uk.

The leaflet details the fundamental standards set by the CQC for safe and effective care that all communities across England should adhere to. It goes on to detail the ratings system in brief and informs the readers how to make a complaint. Ms Morrell goes on to say ‘The CQC believes that everyone has the right to safe, effective and high quality care. We want to thank the members of Neighbourhood Watch for their involvement in ensuring our communities are safe and friendly places to live. We encourage them to help ensure health and social care in your community remains safe and effective by sharing your experiences with the CQC.’

www.edgeservices.co.uk 01904 677853

Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 5

02/03/2016 13:52

Spring 2016 Newsletter

People Handling and Risk Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate Our flagship course has established EDGE as one of the leading providers of training to the healthcare and social care sectors.

Course Aims and Intended Learning Outcomes By the end of the course delegates shall: • demonstrate a sound knowledge of legislation and professional guidance which affects them, their job, their employers and employees; • briefly understand the workings of the spine and how to reduce the risks of spinal injury; • demonstrate an appreciation of the principles of biomechanics; • demonstrate an appreciation of ergonomics; • demonstrate a sound knowledge of risk assessment; • demonstrate a sound knowledge of ‘controversial techniques’; • demonstrate a sound knowledge of up-to-date practical skills in moving handling clients in a care setting; • demonstrate the skills and confidence to convey manual handling knowledge and skills to others.

Course Overview This course will provide delegates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to train others in the moving and handling of people and in the conducting of manual handling risk assessments. Who Will Benefit? This course is for delegates with a responsibility for health & safety and welfare of carers and clients with regards to the moving and handling of people. Assessment and Certification Course assessment comprises: • a one hour ’open-book’ test to determine delegates’ theoretical understanding of the course content; • delivery of a group mini-training session in order to assess teaching skills, organisation, and delivery of appropriate course content; • a practical skills assessment, which takes place continuously throughout the course.

Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a certificate of achievement from EDGE Services, which is valid for two years.

Public Training Courses £750+VAT per delegate all locations apart from London £880+VAT per delegate - London Forthcoming public events in London, York, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Brighton, Warwickshire and Exeter.

In-House Training Courses We can tailor-make this course to suit your organisation’s specific requirements. £3,900 +VAT for up to ten delegates. Go to our website or telephone EDGE Services for further details.

Course Accreditations:

Forthcoming Public Training Dates Include: 15 - 18 March 2016, Glasgow 29 March - 1 April 2016, London 5 - 8 April 2016, Warwick 26 - 29 April 2016, Birmingham 3 - 6 May 2016, London 3 - 6 May 2016, Manchester 17 - 20 May 2016, Glasgow 24 - 27 May 2016, York 7 - 10 June 2016, Brighton 21 - 24 June 2016, Oxford 28 June - 1 Jul 2016, London 12 - 15 July 2016, York 19 - 22 July 2016, Birmingham

26 - 29 July 2016, Glasgow 30 August - 2 September 2016, London 6 - 9 September 2016, Exeter 6 - 9 September 2016, Manchester 20 - 23 September 2016, Peterborough 4 - 7 October 2016, Warwick 11 - 14 October 2016, Cardiff 18 - 21 October 2016, London 25 - 28 October 2016, Edinburgh 1 - 4 November 2016, York 8 - 11 November 2016, Glasgow 15 - 18 November 2016, Birmingham 6 - 9 December 2016, London

EDGE services Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 6

Course Materials Comprise of: • A 200 page professionally bound, full colour course text book. • A delegate CD ROM containing all notes, handouts, delegate quizzes etc that you would need to deliver your own training courses. • A 27 page full colour ‘Ideas’ book with training tips. All the above and more are included in the course price.

02/03/2016 13:52

Spring 2016 Newsletter

People Handling and Risk Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate (Refresher/Update) Public Training Courses £470+VAT per delegate all locations apart from London £520+VAT per delegate - London Forthcoming public events in London, York, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, Brighton, Warwickshire and Exeter.

In-House Training Courses We can tailor-make this course to suit your organisation’s specific requirements. £1,950 +VAT for up to ten delegates. Go to our website or telephone EDGE Services for further details.

Our flagship course has established EDGE as one of the leading providers of training to the healthcare and social care sectors. Course Overview In order that trainers keep abreast of new legislation and developments in manual handling, EDGE Services recommend a ‘Refresher’ course at least every two years. This course will further advance delegates’ professional development and manual handling skills, and provide the opportunity to trade experience with others. Who Will Benefit? This course is designed for those who have previously attended the EDGE Services ‘People Handling & Risk Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate’ or simliar course. Delegates not previously trained by EDGE Services will be required to provide proof of their original qualification. Assessment and Certification

Course Accreditations:

Course assessment comprises: • a practical skills assessment, which takes place continuously throughout the course; • informal Q&A throughout the duration of the course.

Course Aims and Intended Learning Outcomes By the end of the course delegates shall: • have been reminded of, and made aware of any relevant changes to, legislation and professional guidance which affects them, their job, their employers and employees; • have been reminded of the principles of biomechanics and how they can be applied to the efficient movement of clients; • have been reminded of ergonomics as a means for the reduction of manual handling injury; • have been reminded of the importance of risk assessment; • have been reminded of the commonly known ‘controversial techniques’ and why some manouevres have been classified as such; • have had the opportunity to practise up-to-date manual handling techniques and to review new handling aids; • have had the opportunity to assess practical moves using current assessment tools. Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a certificate of achievement from EDGE Services, which is valid for two years.

Forthcoming Public Training Dates Include:

Course Materials Comprise of: • A 210 page professionally bound, full colour course text book. • A delegate CD ROM containing all notes, handouts, delegate quizzes etc that you would need to deliver your own training courses. There is also over one hour of filmed practical skills. All the above and more are included in the course price.

21 & 22 March 2016, Oxford 23 & 24 March 2016, Warwick 23 & 24 March 2016, London 29 & 30 March 2016, Glasgow 31 March & 1 April 2016, York 5 & 6 April 2016, London

14 & 15 April 2016, Exeter 19 & 20 April 2016, York 21 & 22 April 2016, Glasgow 3 & 4 May 2016, Warwick 3 & 4 May 2016, Manchester 10 & 11 May 2016, Glasgow 12 & 13 May 2016, York

19 & 20 May 2016, London 29 May - 1 June 2016, Glasgow 7 & 8 June 2016, Cardiff 9 & 10 June 2016, Oxford 13 & 14 June 2016, York 21 & 22 June 2016, London 23 & 24 June 2016, Birmingham 5 & 6 July 2016, York 7 & 8 July 2016, Glasgow 12 & 13 July 2016, London 21 & 22 July 2016, Manchester 26 & 27 July 2016, Birmingham 2 & 3 August 2016, Brighton

www.edgeservices.co.uk 01904 677853

Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 7

02/03/2016 13:52

Spring 2016 Newsletter

Children Handling and Risk Assessment

Children Handling and Risk Assessment (Refresher/Update)

KEY TRAINER’S CERTIFICATE

This four day course will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to train others in the moving and handling of children/young adults and how to conduct manual handling risk assessments.

Public Training Courses £750+VAT per delegate 4 - 7 October 2016, Birmingham

In-House Training Courses We can tailor-make this course to suit your organisation’s specific requirements.

This two day Refresher/ Update course will further advance your professional development and manual handling skills, and provide you with a valuable opportunity to trade experience with others.

Public Training Courses £470+VAT per delegate

11 -12 October 2016, Birmingham 1 - 2 December 2016, Birmimgham

In-House Training Courses We can tailor-make this course to suit your organisation’s specific requirements.

£3,900 +VAT for up to ten delegates.

£1,950+VAT for up to ten delegates.

Go to our website or telephone EDGE Services for further details.

Course Accreditations:

For more details please visit our website www. edgeservices.co.uk/courses

Understanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges

Understanding and Managing Behaviour that Challenges (Refresher/ Update)

KEY TRAINER’S CERTIFICATE

This four day course will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to train others in de-escalation and breakaway techniques, which can be adopted to deal with individuals exhibiting challenging behaviour.

Public Training Courses £750+VAT per delegate 12-15 April 2016, York 5 - 8 July 2016, Warwick 22 - 25 November 2016, Glasgow

In-House Training Courses We can tailor-make this course to suit your organisation’s specific requirements.

This one day Refresher/Update course will further advance your professional development, de-escalation and breakaway skills and provide you with a valuable opportunity to trade experiences with others.

Public Training Courses £270+VAT per delegate 11 April 2016, York 4 July 2016, Warwick 21 November 2016, Glasgow

In-House Training Courses We can tailor-make this course to suit your organisation’s specific requirements.

£3,900 +VAT for up to ten delegates.

£975 +VAT for up to ten delegates.

Go to our website or telephone EDGE Services for further details.

Course Accreditations:

For more details please visit our website www. edgeservices.co.uk/courses

EDGE services Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 8

02/03/2016 13:52

HSE Publish 2014/2015 Health and Safety Statistics for Great Britain

Spring 2016 Newsletter

The HSE have produced their 2014/15 Health and Safety Statistics Report for Great Britain in November 2015.The report comprises workplace health and safety data which falls into the following main categories:

The most common type of work-related illnesses to affect the health, care and social care sectors are musculoskeletal disorders and work-related stress. These illnesses also account for the majority of days lost.

Ill-health/disease: an estimation of the number of people with an illness that is caused or made worse by their work; the rates of work-related ill health for different groups of workers (e.g. by industry and occupation) and the estimated deaths due to work exposures. Safety: the number of people injured and rates of injury at work for different groups of workers and the number of dangerous occurrence reports from employers. Enforcement: the number of companies prosecuted for breaches of health and safety legislation and the number of enforcement notices served by health and safety inspectors. Other categories: the cost to Britain of health and safety failings; number of working days lost due to work-related ill health and injury European comparisons of health and safety indicators.

Broken down, the work related stress research shows us the following:

The most common type of work-related illnesses caused or made worse by work are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Other common health conditions falling under the same bracket include work-related stress; work related skin disease and work-related asthma. These common illnesses are in addition to long-latency conditions which can be caused by previous work activity and where symptoms can appear many years after exposure e.g. work-related hearing loss; asbestos-related disease and cancer.

lHigh

rates in human health and social care, education and public administration industries. lHigh rates in health and social care professionals and education professional occupations. lHigh rates in large workplaces (>250 employees). lHigh rates for workers aged 35 to 54 lThere have been 234,000 new cases; 440,000 in total. l9.9 million working days were lost 2014/15. What the research tells us about work-related musculoskeletal disorder is that: lThere

are high rates in agriculture, postal and courier activities, construction and health care industries. lThere are high rates in building trades, nurses, personal care and skilled agriculture cupations. lThere are high rates for workers aged over 45. lManual handling is the main work activity causing back disorders. l9.5 million working days were lost 2014/15. lThere have been 169,000 new cases; 553,000 in total. lApproximately 40% of disorders affect the back, and 40% affect the upper limbs. The HSE report highlights that the most frequent causes of injury are manual handling, slips and trips and falls from height and that the UK is one of the better performing EU countries in terms of percentage of establishments who conduct regular risk assessments. To read the full annual report of the latest top level statistics on work-related ill health, workplace fatalities and injuries, and enforcement in Great Britain visit: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/hssh1415.pdf

www.edgeservices.co.uk 01904 677853

Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 9

02/03/2016 13:52

Spring 2016 Newsletter

CONFERENCE Disabled Living Foundation 2nd - 3rd February, London

In early February, a number of our EDGE colleagues were in attendance at the ‘Care in Action - safe routes to best practice’ conference organised by the Disabled Living Foundation. The two-day conference featured practical workshops, thought-provoking seminars and plenary sessions. The key components are summarised below. An update on the monitoring, inspection and regulation of services by the Care Quality Commission since changes in 2015: inspections now consider whether a services is ‘safe, caring, effective, responsive and well led. Inspections are carried out by experiences inspectors who are experts in one particular regulated activity. CQC now has powers to prosecute and impose fines of up to £50,0000 as well as the power to impose conditions on a service including closing to admissions. Managing Conflict in Moving and Handling Situations focused on the importance of gaining an understanding of the term ‘challenging behaviour’ and the importance of prevention. Aggression rarely occurs without a reason the possible causes of ‘challenging behaviour’ were explored. It is advantageous to appreciate needs, feelings and emotions to prevent or de-escalate a situation. Touch and Communicating with People with Dementia featured real life scenarios involving manual handing issues relating to people with dementia with associated behavioural problems. Each group worked through the cases identifying what triggers caused the behaviour or the communications problems which prevented care being given. A session on Moving & Handling and Wheelchairs acknowledged that practitioners were good at thinking about matching clients to the wheelchairs that met their needs but aimed to get delegates also thinking about the carer when considering what type of chair would be most suitable. On the matter of kerbs, it was suggested that there is no ‘ideal’ way of undertaking this task. In the opinion of the speakers wheelchairs should only be taken down a kerb backwards if (1) the chair was fitted with anti-tilt wheels, (2) there were ‘lots’ of space (3) and there was no access to a dropped kerb. Competency Assessment of Healthcare Workers in Moving & Handling looked at assessing competency in the workplace. The speaker introduced a competency based assessment tool called DINO (A Direct Observation Instrument for Assessment Of Nurses’ Patient Transfer Techniques (Johnson. C et al (2004)), that is easy to

use and encompasses moving and handling from a patient focus (maintaining safety and dignity) as well as postural analysis aspects for the nurse or carer. The two key benefits of work-based assessments were that staff could be assessed during their shift (a lot of managers found this appealing) and that any assessment would necessarily take into account the respect dignity and wellbeing of the client. Moving & Handling in Single- Handed Care Situations encouraged delegates to consider how single handed care packages could be implemented with the correct equipment in five different scenarios, or whether it would be impracticable for one carer to manage on their own. This was a particularly thought-provoking workshop focussing, as it did, on the future of care in the community and the financial constraints on its provision. Finally, Moving and Handling – The Future of the Profession was an inspirational session on the future of manual handling training. The speaker considered whether ‘training time’ is being reduced by organisations; and e-learning is being advocated to reduce staff absence; delegates were told that research is being undertaken into the use of robots in the role of manual handling. The speaker elaborated on the need for manual handling professionals to address the four Ss: Strategies – we need to do research, collect evidence, publish in mainstream journals; take manual handling to mainstream conferences; Synergise – use influences to our benefit, infiltrate other services, fire etc. Learn to engage with organisations, work with universities and academics, and work with equipment representatives and companies; Skills – develop a structured program, improve soft skills, communication and sell who we are, improve financial and budget skills, technical and project management skills; Systems – we need National Prescriptive Drivers, we need to network and redevelop are own systems we need to move forward. The EDGE team enjoyed a highly rewarding two days. It is part of the EDGE philosophy that our trainers keep themselves abreast of the latest developments in the manual handling field to the great benefit of our training and our delegates.

EDGE services Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 10

02/03/2016 13:52

Spring 2016 Newsletter

Need to know

Managing Work-Related Stress What is work-related stress and how common is it? Work-related stress is defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as a harmful reaction that people have to undue pressures and demands placed on them at work. By its very nature, stress is difficult to measure and the HSE has two different data sources from which to conduct analysis. The total number of cases reported by the HSE of work-related stress, depression or anxiety in 2014/15 was 440,000 cases a prevalence rate of 1380 per 100,000 workers. The total number of working days lost due to this condition in 2014/15 was 9.9 million. Stress is more prevalent in public service industries such as health and social care where 2.9 million days were lost in this timeframe. The main work factors cited by employees as causing work-related stress or anxiety were workload pressures, including tight deadlines and too much responsibility and a lack of managerial support. How does stress affect health? Long-term stress can wear down the body’s natural defences and lead to a number of quite debilitating conditions including chronic headaches, back, neck and shoulder pain due to tense muscles, upset stomach and digestive problems possibly leading to heartburn or acid reflux, raised blood pressure increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke, insomnia, a loss of libido, depression and panic attacks. Long-term stress can cause behaviours such as over or under eating, alcohol or drug abuse, or social withdrawal.

How can work-related stress be better managed? Below are eight simple and immediate stress-busters to help manage work-related stress better: Watch for the next instance in which you find yourself becoming annoyed or angry at something trivial or unimportant whilst at work. Then practise letting go making a conscious choice not to become angry or upset. Do not allow yourself to waste thought and energy where it isn’t deserved. Effective anger management is a tried-and-true stress reducer. Breathe slowly and deeply. Before reacting to the next stressful occurrence, take three deep breaths and release them slowly. If you have a few minutes, try out a relaxation technique such as meditation or guided imagery – imagining yourself to be in a comfortable, safe and calming place, stay there in your mind for a few minutes until you feel calmer. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress, practise speaking more slowly than usual. You’ll find that you think more clearly and react more reasonably to stressful situations. Stressed people tend to speak fast and breathlessly; by slowing down your speech you’ll also appear less anxious and more in control of any situation. Jump-start an effective time management strategy. Choose one simple thing you have been putting off (e.g., returning a phone call, reading a new policy, writing an email), and do it immediately. Just taking care of one nagging responsibility can be energising and can improve your attitude.

Get outdoors for a brief break. Our grandparents were right about the healing power of fresh air. Don’t be deterred by foul weather or a full work schedule. Even five minutes on a balcony or terrace can be rejuvenating. Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious snacks. Hunger and dehydration even before you’re aware of them, can provoke agitation and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and stress. Do a quick posture check. Hold your head and shoulders upright and avoid stooping or slumping. Bad posture can lead to muscle tension and pain increasing stress. If you’re stuck at a desk most of the day, avoid repetitive strain injuries and sore muscles by making sure your workstation reflects good ergonomic design principles. There is plenty of information online about ergonomics and healthy workstations to assure your station is safe and comfortable. Plan something rewarding for the end of your stressful day, even if only a relaxing bath or half an hour with a good book. Put aside work, housework or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax. Don’t spend this time planning tomorrow’s work schedule, remember that you need time to recharge and energise yourself. You’ll be much better prepared to face another stressful day! For more information on help with work related stress for employees the Health and Safety Executive have put together a useful leaflet that can be downloaded from: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg424.pdf

www.edgeservices.co.uk 01904 677853

Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 11

02/03/2016 13:52

Visit Our Website... To learn more about EDGE Services why not visit our our website, where you can book a place on one of our public courses or keep updated with industry news. In addition to help you get the most of our website we have listed a few of the other features below: • See details about some of the clients that we are proud to work with and read what they have to say about training with EDGE on our testimonials page. • Browse the range of professional and invaluable products provided to delegates who have completed EDGE people handling, children handling and understanding challenging behaviour training courses. www.edgeservices.co.uk

EDGE services Post-Training Support

Post-Training Support Service:

Become part of the EDGE community www.twitter.com/edgehandling www.facebook.com/edgeservices If you are not already aware, EDGE is using both of these popular social media outlets to extend the reach of our invaluable Post-Training Support Service.

www.edgeservices.co.uk 01904 677853

When you undertake an EDGE Services’ course you learn a great deal in a short period of time. We understand however that, very often, the real learning begins when you return to work and start delivering your training. PTS - Postcard paul.indd 1

Out invaluable Post-Training Support Service gives you the reassurance of knowing that, when the unexpected happens, one of our Senior Trainer’s will talk you through the situation or problem and offer clear guidance and advice. Valid for the duration of your training certificate EDGE teach you the subject then we support you in practice. Call us today on 01904 677853 – we are waiting for your call!

Tel: 01904 677853

Email: enquiries@edgeservices.co.uk Web: www.edgeservices.co.uk

Edge March 2016 Newsletter.indd 12

30/11/07 16:41:08

Our pages are updated each week with care industry news, useful updates and dates for your diary and both provide an opportunity for you to have your say. We also use the pages to answer or highlight questions that the EDGE training team frequently get asked about moving and handling and understanding behaviour that challenges so please like or follow us.

EDGE services 02/03/2016 13:52