Manual Handling Training
Section outline
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Manual handling is an essential skill for people working in healthcare, aged care, disability support, and other workplaces involving lifting, moving, carrying, or supporting people and objects. This course provides learners with practical knowledge and safe techniques to identify hazards, assess risks, use correct body mechanics, and select appropriate equipment. Participants will develop confidence in completing manual handling tasks safely while reducing injuries, protecting clients and coworkers, and supporting workplace health, safety, and compliance responsibilities across Australian care environments effectively.
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- Principles of safe manual handling and ergonomics.
- How to assess risks before lifting or moving people and objects.
- Correct lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling techniques.
- Safe use of hoists, trolleys and other lifting aids.
- How to identify and reduce common workplace hazards.
- Australian workplace requirements relating to manual handling.
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- Plan the task: Identify hazards, assess the load and clear the travel path.
- Position yourself correctly: Stand close to the load with a stable footing.
- Lift safely: Bend your knees, maintain a neutral spine and lift smoothly using your legs.
- Use appropriate assistance: Use lifting equipment or ask another person for help when required.
- Complete the task carefully: Avoid twisting, sudden movements and unsafe reaching.
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By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe manual handling techniques.
- Identify and minimise workplace risks.
- Apply appropriate lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling methods.
- Use manual handling equipment safely and effectively.
- Reduce the likelihood of injuries to themselves, coworkers and clients.
- Support a safe and compliant workplace environment.
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Manual handling is a major cause of workplace injuries in healthcare, aged care and disability-support environments. Unsafe lifting, transferring or repositioning can cause back strain, muscle injuries and long-term health problems. It can also place patients and clients at risk.
Correct manual handling practices help workers protect themselves, their colleagues and the people receiving care. By identifying hazards, assessing risks and using suitable techniques or equipment, workers can complete tasks more safely. These skills contribute to a safer, more professional and compliant workplace.
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