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.
