Manual Handling & Safe Lifting Policy

1. Purpose

Manual handling injuries - particularly musculoskeletal injuries to the back, neck, and shoulders - are among the most common workplace injuries in disability support services. This policy aims to:

• Eliminate or minimise the risk of injury to workers and participants during all manual handling activities
• Ensure all workers are trained in safe manual handling techniques before providing physical support to participants
• Establish clear procedures for risk assessment, equipment use, and incident reporting related to manual handling
• Uphold the dignity, comfort, and preferences of participants throughout all physical support activities
• Comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW), and the NDIS Practice Standards

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Safe Hands workers, including employees, contractors, and volunteers, who perform any of the following activities:

• Assisting a participant to move position (e.g., rolling, sitting up in bed)
• Transferring a participant between surfaces (e.g., bed to wheelchair, chair to shower commode)
• Providing physical support during personal care (e.g., showering, dressing)
• Assisting a participant to walk, stand, or use mobility aids
• Moving, setting up, or storing equipment (e.g., hoists, wheelchairs, shower chairs)
• Lifting or carrying items as part of household tasks

3. Legislative Framework

4. Risk Assessment Before Manual Handling

Before providing any manual handling support to a participant, workers must assess the risk using the TILE framework:

If the risk assessment identifies a significant risk, the worker must not proceed until appropriate controls are in place - this may mean requesting a second worker, sourcing equipment, or contacting the manager for guidance.

4.1 Manual Handling Risk Assessment in Support Plans

For participants who regularly require physical support, a participant-specific manual handling risk assessment must be documented in the participant’s support plan. This assessment must include:

• The specific transfer and positioning tasks required
• The participant’s weight, mobility level, and ability to assist
• Equipment prescribed (e.g., ceiling hoist, standing hoist, slide sheet, transfer belt)
• Number of workers required for each task
• Any contraindications or special considerations (e.g., pressure injuries, contractures, pain)
• Participant preferences regarding how they like to be assisted

This assessment must be reviewed when a participant’s condition changes and at least annually.

5. Safe Manual Handling Principles

5.1 Hierarchy of Controls

Workers and managers must apply the following hierarchy when managing manual handling risks:

1. Eliminate: Avoid the task if possible (e.g., adjust the environment so the participant can transfer independently)
2. Substitute: Use a different, safer method (e.g., use a ceiling hoist instead of a manual lift)
3. Isolate: Remove the hazard (e.g., clear clutter before a transfer)
4. Engineering controls: Use equipment (hoists, slide sheets, transfer boards, adjustable beds)
5. Administrative controls: Use two workers, modify the task, reduce frequency
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves for hygiene, non-slip footwear

5.2 Safe Body Mechanics

When manual handling cannot be eliminated and equipment is not applicable, workers must apply safe body mechanics:

• Plan before you move: Communicate with the participant, clear the area, ensure you know where you are moving to
• Stable base: Feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward for balance
• Bend the knees: Squat to get close to the load - never bend at the waist
• Keep the load close: Hold the participant or object as close to your body as possible
• Straight back: Maintain the natural curve of the spine throughout the movement
• No twisting: Move your feet to turn - do not twist the spine while carrying a load
• Smooth movements: Avoid jerking or sudden movements; move in a controlled, steady manner
• Use handles/belts: Use transfer belts or gait belts when prescribed - do not grab clothing

5.3 Two-Worker Transfers

Two workers are required when:

• The participant’s support plan specifies a two-person transfer
• The participant is unable to bear weight or assist with the transfer
• The participant weighs more than 110 kg and mechanical assistance is not available
• The transfer environment is constrained (e.g., small bathroom, narrow corridor)
• The worker’s risk assessment identifies significant risk with a single-worker approach

When two workers are involved, one worker takes the lead role and calls the timing of the movement. Both workers must agree before the transfer begins.

6. Equipment

6.1 Types of Approved Equipment

6.2 Equipment Checks

Before using any equipment, workers must:

• Inspect for visible damage (frayed slings, cracked boards, faulty hoist mechanisms)
• Confirm the sling is the correct size and type for the participant
• Check that brakes, locks, and controls function correctly
• Confirm the maximum weight capacity is not exceeded

Defective equipment must be immediately taken out of service, labelled “Do Not Use”, and the manager notified. A defective hoist or sling must never be used on a participant.

7. Participant Dignity During Manual Handling

Physical support must always be delivered in a way that respects the participant’s dignity, preferences, and right to be involved in decisions about their own care. Workers must:

• Explain what they are going to do before starting and obtain the participant’s agreement
• Respect the participant’s preferred method of assistance if it is safe and practical
• Maintain privacy and cover the participant appropriately during personal care transfers
• Communicate throughout the movement - tell the participant what is happening next
• Never rush a transfer or ignore a participant’s request to stop
• Document and report any discomfort, pain, or distress expressed by the participant during a transfer

8. Reporting Manual Handling Incidents and Injuries

All manual handling incidents - including near misses, participant discomfort, and worker injuries - must be reported promptly. Safe Hands takes these reports seriously because unreported near misses often precede serious injuries.

8.1 Worker Injury

1. Ensure immediate safety - stop the task, help the participant to a safe position
2. Seek first aid or medical attention as required
3. Notify the manager as soon as possible (or on the same shift)
4. Complete an Incident Report Form within 24 hours
5. Do not continue manual handling tasks if you are in pain or your capacity is impaired

8.2 Participant Injury or Distress

1. Stop the movement immediately and make the participant comfortable
2. Call 000 if the participant has suffered a suspected fracture, fall, or serious injury
3. Notify the manager and the participant’s emergency contact
4. Complete an Incident Report Form and, where required, report to the NDIS Commission (1800 035 544) under the Incident Management & Reporting Policy (POL-INC-001)

8.3 Review After a Manual Handling Incident

Following any manual handling incident, the manager must review:

• Whether the participant’s manual handling risk assessment is current and accurate
• Whether prescribed equipment was available and used correctly
• Whether additional training or a second worker is required
• Whether the physical environment needs modification

9. Training Requirements

Training records are maintained by the manager and must be accessible for NDIS audit. Workers who cannot demonstrate safe manual handling technique will not be assigned to participants requiring physical support until competency is confirmed.

10. Manager and Organisational Responsibilities

• Ensure all workers are trained in safe manual handling before commencing physical support roles
• Ensure participant-specific manual handling risk assessments are completed, documented, and kept current
• Procure, maintain, and regularly inspect all manual handling equipment
• Respond promptly to workers who report that they cannot safely perform a manual handling task alone
• Investigate all manual handling incidents and implement corrective actions
• Never pressure workers to perform unsafe manual handling due to staffing shortages
• Consult with an occupational therapist or physiotherapist for complex manual handling situations

11. Related Documents

• Incident Management & Reporting Policy (POL-INC-001)
• Emergency Management Policy (POL-EMG-001)
• Person-Centred Planning Policy (POL-PCP-001)
• Code of Conduct Policy (POL-COC-001)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
• Safe Work Australia - Managing the Risks of Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice