Back injury at work

[Newbienetter]

Hi everyone, I have a job but do ad hoc work through an agency. I had a shift yesterday and hurt my back, I reported to the agency but they said take some paracetamol . I was lifting an individual from a chair to their bed on my own (they didn't have a hoist and no one to help me) I wasn't happy doing the lift but was left with no option. I'm due back in to do another shift later today and wondered if anyone could give me advice? OTC painkillers haven't worked, I don't want to cancel this shift because I need the money and they've been funny with me in the past for cancelling. Tia

Think I've put this in the wrong group will move now

Have you been given manual handling training? If so, you should know you should never, ever lift anyone. It should be a gentle assist, rocking them back and forth with one hand on their lower back and the other on their shoulder from sit to stand. If this doesn't work you need to contact either the manager, office or out of hours service. I assume though (hopefully wrongly) that you have lifted them under the arm as really this is the only way you can physically lift someone from a chair. If that's the case then you absolutely should not have done that as it gives risk of fracturing the service users arm or collar bone and/or hurting yourself, so your injury was self inflicted. Apologies if that is all supposition on my part but as a previous domiciliary manager, I've had this situation more times than I can count.

I've also just realised your the poster that had shift problems the other day. You seem to be finding it hard to find your feet in this job. Maybe think about if you can manage a second job (I couldn't), or if asking to go on a double team instead of working independently until you're more confident.