A significant proportion of support work involves manual handling. Manual handling is any task in which a person lifts, pushes, pulls, carries, lowers, or otherwise moves, holds, or restrains any person or object.
Manual handling tasks disability support workers may perform in their role include:
- Using equipment such as hoists;
- Transfers of clients in and out of wheelchairs, from bed to chair, from chair to toilet, etc.;
- Pushing shower chairs and wheelchairs; and
- Assisting clients to stand.
The main risks involved in manual handling tasks are:
- Lifting and transferring the client inappropriately or not using the equipment provided correctly;
- Twisting, stooping, or using unsafe postures while moving clients or carrying loads;
- Doing more lifts/transfers than necessary;
- Repetitive movements (e.g., in massage or exercise routines);
- Lack of experience or skill in required routines;
- Unpredictable movements due to spasms, etc.; and
- Lack of communication between the client and carer during transfers.
Choice Community Health is committed to ensuring staff utilise best-practice manual handling skills by providing ongoing training tailored to individual support needs and implementing annual mandatory training for staff in manual handling.
For further assistance, contact us at: