Product Overview

This Restrictive Practices Policy template is a comprehensive, professionally drafted document designed specifically for Australian disability and aged care providers. It brings together work health and safety obligations, human rights principles, and sector-specific regulatory requirements into one clear, practical policy. Developed by WHS and compliance specialists, it supports organisations to manage behaviours of concern safely while protecting the dignity, autonomy and wellbeing of the people they support.

The policy provides detailed guidance on the lawful and ethical use of restrictive practices, including seclusion, physical restraint, mechanical restraint, chemical restraint and environmental restraint. It is structured to integrate seamlessly with existing safety documentation, behaviour support plans and clinical governance systems, saving you time and reducing compliance risk.

Key Features

• Clearly defines all major types of restrictive practices used in disability and aged care settings.
• Aligns restrictive practice decision-making with work health and safety risk management processes.
• Sets out roles and responsibilities for boards, managers, clinical staff and frontline workers.
• Includes practical checklists for WHS risk assessment, policy implementation and emergency use.
• Outlines documentation, incident reporting and notification requirements to regulators.
• Integrates behaviour support, human rights, and WHS compliance in one cohesive policy.

Benefits

• Strengthen WHS compliance: Demonstrate that your organisation systematically identifies, assesses and controls risks associated with behaviours of concern and restrictive practices.
• Reduce legal and regulatory risk: Align your practice with NDIS, aged care and WHS legislation, helping to prevent non-compliance, enforcement action and reputational damage.
• Protect clients and workers: Support safer environments for people receiving services and staff by embedding evidence-based controls and clear procedures.
• Save time on safety documentation: Start from a robust, sector-specific template instead of drafting a policy from scratch.
• Support culture change: Promote a human rights, least restrictive and person-centred approach across your organisation.

Who is this for?

This Restrictive Practices Policy is ideal for:

• Disability service providers (including NDIS-registered providers).
• Residential aged care facilities and home care providers.
• Community, day program and supported independent living services.
• WHS managers, quality and risk managers, and clinical governance leads.
• HR and compliance staff responsible for policy development and accreditation.

Legislation & References

The template is informed by key Australian legislative and standards frameworks, including work health and safety legislation, disability and guardianship laws, NDIS Quality and Safeguarding requirements, and aged care quality standards. While it does not replace legal advice, it provides a strong, practical foundation for organisations seeking to align their restrictive practices with contemporary WHS compliance expectations and sector regulations.

Use this policy as part of your broader safety documentation suite to demonstrate due diligence, support accreditation processes, and drive continuous improvement in the safe, ethical management of restrictive practices.