Product Overview

The Manual Handling of People Procedure is a professionally developed work health and safety document designed specifically for Australian disability and aged care providers. It gives organisations a clear, practical framework for managing the risks associated with moving, transferring and physically supporting clients, while protecting workers from musculoskeletal injuries and ensuring the dignity and safety of people in care.

This comprehensive procedure sets out step-by-step requirements for assessing client mobility, planning safe transfers, selecting and using hoists and other mechanical aids, and designing safer work environments in residential, community and in-home settings. It aligns with Australian WHS legislation, the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice, and sector-specific quality standards for aged care and disability support.

Key Features

• Clear WHS roles and responsibilities for managers, supervisors and frontline workers.
• Detailed risk management process for hazardous manual tasks involving people.
• Guidance on client functional assessment and individual manual handling plans.
• Practical instructions for hoist use, bed mobility, transfers, assisted walking and bariatric care.
• Specific sections on behaviour, cognitive impairment and environmental design.
• Checklists for pre-task preparation and equipment inspection.
• Templates for risk assessment and equipment registers using simple tables.
• Integrated requirements for incident reporting, investigation and review.

Benefits

• Supports WHS compliance with Australian work health and safety laws and regulations.
• Reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and manual handling incidents for staff.
• Improves client safety, comfort and dignity during transfers and mobility support.
• Saves time by providing ready-to-use safety documentation that can be adapted to your service.
• Provides consistent, defensible procedures for auditors, regulators and insurers.
• Strengthens training programs with clear, practical guidance for new and existing workers.

Who is this for?

This Manual Handling of People Procedure is ideal for:

• Residential aged care facilities and home care providers.
• Disability support organisations, including NDIS service providers.
• Community care, respite and supported accommodation services.
• WHS managers, clinical leaders, HR teams and compliance officers.
• Consultants and advisors developing or upgrading safety documentation for care services.

Legislation & References

The procedure is written to reflect the requirements and guidance of key Australian frameworks, including:

• Work Health and Safety Acts and Regulations in relevant jurisdictions.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks.
• Aged Care Quality Standards and NDIS Practice Standards (where applicable).
• Relevant Australian Standards for hoists, slings, beds and mobility equipment.

By implementing this Manual Handling of People Procedure, organisations can demonstrate a systematic approach to work health and safety, strengthen WHS compliance, and provide safer, more sustainable working conditions for staff delivering hands-on care.