Loler/ puwer in care sector context.

nicechap

I sort of understand wanting to distance yourself from the issues but if it was my relative I'd suggest they write a letter/ email to the boss 'just to confirm our conversation' that I am to use equipment without necessary training or statutory checks'. Then, if your relative was injured (hopefully not though) their claim against the employer would be much larger. Or the manager might realise they are wrong and a bully and withdraw the instruction.

dickydonkin has helpfully given the regs side to quote if need be.

DiddlyAnn

Hi I've lurked for a long time but joined in attempt to help with this one. Yes the hoist will come under Loler regulations. Its pretty rare for people to buy hoists and they are usually (in my experience) on loan instead. But regardless of that there is an employer mentioned in a later comment so they have responsibilities. Hoists would require a 6 monthly check - known as servicing. The employer is we assume instructing the carer to use the hoist so they need to ensure that's taken place as a fit for use standing for them. Then the employee will/should have been taught on their training that the health and safety at work act and manual handling operations regulations require them to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others. Most training sessions will also point out to learners that if there is no evidence of the 6 monthly check they aren't to use the hoist. As a layperson there's only the visual check that they can do. On servicing they look at the number of lifts the hoist has done, test to maximum working load, ensure safe working load is displayed etc.



When I've worked in the community we knew that the office had a log of all hoists and when checks were due. And now as a trainer there's no way I'd be happy with carers using that hoist if no evidence can be produced.



Worth noting maybe.....not all hoists will have a sticker put on them, someone may have requested a certificate for it instead so that may be the evidence.

If this is a regulated activity that's being provided in the person's home the CQC would not be happy at all if hoists aren't being checked, or if employers have no knowledge of Loler. This could easily be a safeguarding concern for the service user. Care plans should be detailed enough now to be a step by step guide to using the hoist, including rolling the service user, selecting the sling, a visual check of the hoist, as well as which straps to use for the different transfers etc.