Manual handling is part of everyday life for nurses, personal carers, and support staff. Whether you’re transferring patients, adjusting beds, or reaching for equipment—you’re constantly using your body. And without proper technique, training, and equipment, it’s easy to get injured.
This guide will walk you through what manual handling looks like in a healthcare setting, why it’s so important, and how to protect yourself and your patients.
Training and Assessment Delivered on Behalf of Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909
Why Manual Handling Training Matters in Healthcare
Manual handling for healthcare workers is different. It often involves lifting or supporting people—not just objects. That adds complexity because:
- Patients may move unpredictably
- Their comfort and dignity must be preserved
- The emotional and physical stress of care work adds pressure
Safe Work Australia reports that healthcare workers are among the most frequently injured by hazardous manual tasks. Overexertion and body stressing are leading causes of compensation claims in this sector. These injuries are often avoidable with proper training and safe systems of work.
The legal requirement to manage these risks is outlined in the Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks, which supports your duty of care under the WHS Act.
Common Manual Handling Risks for Nurses & Support Staff
- Transferring patients between bed, wheelchair, or toilet
- Repositioning patients in bed
- Assisting with dressing or personal care
- Handling equipment like hoists, stretchers, or trolleys
- Working in cramped or awkward environments
These tasks often involve:
- Awkward postures and sustained bending
- Sudden or high-force movements (e.g., catching a falling patient)
- Repetitive strain due to long shifts or under-resourced teams
According to a review in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, musculoskeletal disorders among nurses are strongly linked to manual handling demands.
Safe Manual Handling Techniques for Healthcare
Always Assess the Task First
Look before you lift. Can you do it safely by yourself? Is the space clear? What support or equipment is nearby?
Use the Right Equipment
Using hoists, slide sheets, transfer boards, and adjustable beds isn’t just safer—it’s required under most facility policies.
A case study from HSE UK shows how lifting without equipment led to a significant back injury that required modified duties and weeks of recovery.
Work as a Team
Manual handling is rarely a solo job. Communicate with coworkers, coordinate your movements, and always ask for assistance with heavier or unpredictable transfers.
Keep Loads Close to Your Body
When assisting a patient or lifting an item, bring it close to your centre of gravity. Holding things out in front creates leverage that puts pressure on your lower back.
This guide from CLASH Physiotherapy explains how even light loads can cause harm when held away from your body.
Avoid Twisting—Move Your Feet
Twisting at the waist, especially under load, puts your spine under stress. Always step and turn your whole body.
What About Difficult Situations?
Patients aren’t always cooperative—not out of malice, but due to pain, fear, or cognitive conditions like dementia. These are delicate situations that require emotional intelligence as well as physical skill.
- Speak calmly and explain your actions
- Offer reassurance and ask for their cooperation
- Involve a colleague or use equipment when needed
Evidence from PubMed Central shows that predictable routines and clear communication reduce resistance in patients with dementia and lower handling risk.
Manual Handling Training That Makes Sense
Our HLTWHS005 – Conduct Manual Tasks Safely course is tailored for healthcare environments. Whether you’re in aged care, a hospital, or home support, this training equips your team with the practical tools to stay safe.
The course includes:
- How to assess and manage patient handling risks
- How to use equipment like hoists and slide sheets correctly
- Postural awareness and injury prevention techniques
- WHS duties and manual handling documentation
We deliver to healthcare teams across Brisbane and SE QLD:
- 2–3 hr online theory
- 2 hr onsite practical session
- Group discounts available
📞 Request a quote here or call (07) 3872 6777
Manual handling in healthcare isn’t just physical—it’s personal. Protect your health and your future.
