Manual handling may seem straightforward—after all, it involves moving someone from one position to another, right? In reality, it’s much more complex, especially when working with individuals in aged care or those living with complex disabilities. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or someone requiring assistance, understanding proper manual handling techniques and equipment is critical for supporting your well-being, dignity, and independence.

What is manual handling?

Manual handling refers to tasks that involve lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, or otherwise moving a person or object. For those in aged care or with disabilities, manual handling tasks often involve assisting with movements such as transferring from a bed to a chair, repositioning in bed, or helping someone stand up or sit down. While these tasks may seem routine, they carry significant risks if not done correctly—for both the person being assisted and the caregiver.

Improper manual handling can lead to injuries, such as strains, sprains, and more severe musculoskeletal problems. That’s why it’s essential to have the right techniques, training, and equipment in place to ensure everyone’s safety.

What are common manual handling hazards?

When it comes to manual handling, it is important to be adequately trained in the technology and the skill but also be able to recognise hazards for both yourself and the client and deal with them appropriately to prevent injury.

Some common hazards we see in manual handling are:

  • Inadequate training – If a support worker or carer has not received adequate training on safe handling practices, it may increase the risk of accidents. 
  • Overexertion – Lifting and moving individuals can be difficult without assistance, and straining or incorrect posture may lead to injury. 
  • Inappropriate equipment – Using unsuitable or malfunctioning aides (like hoists or slings) may lead to accidents or injury. 
  • Communication barriers – Lack of communication or misunderstanding of the person you’re supporting may lead to unexpected movement or falls. 

Each situation is unique, which is why it’s important to work with trained professionals to establish an effective manual handling technique that addresses your individual needs. Speak to one of our Enabled Designs team members about how we can help you today.

Effective manual handling

Effective manual handling is essential in disability and aged care, as it not only protects caregivers from injury but also assists in the well-being, comfort and dignity of the person being assisted.

By employing proper techniques, caregivers and support workers can navigate the physical demands of manual handling with skill. 

Here are some key strategies for effective manual handling:

  • Extensive training delivered by qualified professionals. This includes physical movement as well as using aides. 
  • Use of equipment like hoists, slide sheets and transfer boards 
  • Clear communication with the person being assisted and any other supporting caregivers. 
  • Maintaining proper posture when lifting, including a straight back, bending at the knees and minimising strain. 
  • Accurate and up to date manual handling plans to ensure everyone understands the person’s needs.

At Enabled Designs, we support individuals with diverse physical needs by providing effective manual handling training in various settings. We collaborate with your support workers and family to support comfort and independence.

What our clients have to say:

Every individual has unique needs when it comes to manual handling support. Here are some client experiences and how we’ve addressed them:

Client #1: “I noticed it was becoming harder for me to get in and out of bed. I needed to ask for help more often.” 

Solution: We assessed the client’s mobility and made suggestions for a specific transfer technique, as well as adaptive equipment for accessibility movements.

Client #2: “I can’t roll over in bed without assistance anymore.”

Solution: Our Occupational Therapist provided manual handling strategies for support workers and recommended tools like bed sticks and a slide sheet to enhance independence. 

Client #3: “I have new assistive technology for transfers and needed support to train my support workers in how to use it properly.” 

Solution: We delivered manual handling training and developed a manual handling plan for the support workers to ensure they understand how to use the technology effectively and can support the client’s independence.

Manual handling equipment

Many manual handling techniques are supported using manual handling equipment. 

Here are some examples:

  • Hoists – these can be used in bedrooms and bathrooms to help move people from point A to B. 
  • Transfer aids – this includes things like transfer boards which can slide a person from one place to another – like from a bed to a wheelchair, or into a different sleeping position in bed. 
  • Adjustable beds – these can be moved to different heights and positions to allow for more comfortable sleep or easier movement in and out of the bed for the person. 
  • Wheelchairs and walking frames – these are used to assist someone who cannot walk independently to maintain balance and stability. 

If you or someone you support might benefit from manual handling equipment, our team can help.  We’ll undertake a comprehensive occupational therapy assessment and make recommendations for aides and support to maintain independence and comfort. 

How Enabled Designs can help?

Proper manual handling techniques are crucial for ensuring the accessibility and well-being of both the client and the carer or support worker. The Enabled Designs team is led by highly skilled Occupational Therapists who work exclusively with clients in the disability and aged care sectors to support their caregivers with all aspects of manual handling. 

Our team can:

  • Share extensive knowledge about manual handling techniques 
  • Undertake a comprehensive manual handling risk assessment and provide solutions to maintain accessibility for all
  • Provide manual handling training and written plans to support a person’s care team.

Contact our team today to see how we can help you.

Disclaimer

All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.