Manual Handling and Assisted Mobility Policy Template
Protect staff from musculoskeletal injuries and maintain resident dignity with a structured manual handling framework tailored for residential aged care.
Overview
Manual handling is one of the highest causes of workplace injury in the aged care sector, with staff frequently experiencing back, shoulder, and neck injuries from resident transfers and repositioning. A dedicated Manual Handling and Assisted Mobility Policy — separate from the general Work Health and Safety Policy — provides the specific procedural guidance, equipment requirements, and staff training obligations needed to reduce risk for both workers and residents.
What This Policy Covers
- Risk assessment for individual resident transfer needs
- Safe use of hoists, transfer belts, slide sheets, and standing aids
- Two-person transfer requirements and restrictions
- Staff training and annual competency assessment in manual handling
- Maintaining resident dignity and comfort during transfers
- Handling of bariatric residents
- Equipment maintenance and inspection schedules
- Incident reporting for manual handling injuries
- Return-to-work considerations for injured staff
Compliance Alignment
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and state/territory equivalents
- Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks (Safe Work Australia)
- Aged Care Quality Standard 3 – Clinical Care
- Aged Care Quality Standard 7 – Human Resources
- AS/NZS 3551 – Management programs for medical equipment
Why This Policy Matters
Manual handling injuries account for a significant proportion of workers' compensation claims in aged care. Inadequate manual handling procedures also directly impact resident safety and dignity — a non-compliance area audited under Quality Standard 3. A documented, practiced policy reduces both WHS liability and the risk of ACQSC findings related to resident handling.
