Abstract
This study reviewed the care of bariatic patients in the community environment, and the impact that legislation, changes in body dynamics, and ergonomic influences have on delivery of care. In general caring for patients in the community can be problematic, with inappropriate equipment provision and environmental constraints. These problems are further compounded when the patient’s weight is >127kgs, increasing the risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders to formal/informal carers and professionals. Risk assessment is the pivotal cog in health and safety, it enables hazards within the work place to be identified, documented and associated risks to be reduced, enabling a working environment that is as “safe as reasonably practicable”. Risk assessment is a legal requirement and as such, organisations have a duty to ensure that all employees are trained and competent in recognising, documenting and implementing risk reduction action plans. This study identified that the professionals involved had limited awareness in both risk assessment, and the management of bariatric patients. Although manual handling training is part of their organisations health and safety policy risk assessment training is not available. This deficit in their training resulted in unsafe practice, use of inappropriate equipment, and care delivery in workplaces that have not been risk assessed. The study highlighted training inequalities associate with risk assessment, and the management of the bariatric patients within the NHS community environment. Using participatory ergonomic and taking a proactive role in applying ergonomic principles within organisations can ensure that health and safety within the work place is moved up the managerial agenda.