Manual Handling Safe Work Practices

Manual handling injuries are the leading cause of workplace injury among aged care workers in Australia. This training guide equips staff with safe manual handling principles, correct equipment use, and an understanding of their WHS obligations — protecting both residents and workers from preventable harm.

Published

May 29, 2026

Manual Handling and Safe Work Practices Training for Aged Care

Manual handling injuries — including back strains, shoulder injuries and musculoskeletal disorders — are the most common and costly workplace injuries in Australian aged care. They affect staff safety, workforce retention and quality of care. Under the Work Health and Safety Act and the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, providers have a dual obligation: to protect staff from harm and to ensure that moving and handling of consumers is conducted safely and with dignity. This training module addresses both.

What This Training Covers

Risk factors for manual handling injuries in aged care
Principles of safe patient and object handling — TILE (Task, Individual, Load, Environment)
Types of manual handling equipment — hoists, slide sheets, transfer belts, slings
Correct sling selection and fitting for hoist transfers
Two-person and team lift protocols
Handling consumers with responsive behaviours or resistance
WHS obligations — reporting hazards, refusing unsafe tasks
Post-injury reporting and return to work

Key Learning Outcomes

Identify manual handling risks using the TILE framework
Select and correctly use appropriate manual handling equipment
Perform hoist transfers safely and with correct sling fitting
Understand WHS rights and responsibilities in relation to manual handling
Report a manual handling hazard or injury through the correct channel

Who Should Complete This Training

All PCAs, RNs, enrolled nurses, lifestyle staff and any worker who assists with the moving, transferring or repositioning of consumers. Annual refresher training is required. New staff must complete manual handling induction before commencing direct care duties.

Alignment to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

Aligned to Standard 3 (The Care Environment), which requires that the physical environment and equipment support safe care delivery, and Standard 2 (The Organisation), which mandates that providers maintain a safe workplace and ensure staff are competent in their roles. WHS Act obligations also apply independently.

Track Manual Handling Competency Across Your Workforce with Governa

Governa helps aged care managers maintain current manual handling training records and link them to your WHS and care environment policies — flagging gaps before audit season.

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