Why Safe Manual Handling Is Critical in Aged Care

One of the most common causes of injury in aged care is lifting and moving. Manual handling, the way carers support older adults with transfers, repositioning, and mobility, is at the heart of everyday aged care. But when it’s not done safely, the risks are significant for both staff and clients.

According to Safe Work Australia, more than 40% of workplace injuries in the healthcare and social assistance sector are linked to body stressing, such as lifting, supporting, or moving people. In aged care, where mobility support is part of nearly every shift, this makes safe manual handling one of the most critical aspects of quality care.

For older adults, poor technique or lack of equipment can result in falls, skin tears, or unnecessary discomfort. For carers, the consequences are just as serious. Chronic back pain, shoulder injuries, and long-term health issues are common outcomes of unsafe lifting. Beyond the physical risks, there’s also an emotional impact: carers may feel anxious about hurting their clients, and older people may feel a loss of dignity when handling isn’t done with skill and respect.

In this article, we’ll explore what manual handling really means in the aged care context, the common risks and hazards, and how they can be prevented. We’ll then look at the role of physiotherapists and occupational therapists in developing safer handling practices, the equipment and assistive technology available, and the training programs that protect both carers and clients.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Manual Handling? Common Examples in Aged Care
2. Risks of Poor Manual Handling for Clients and Carers
3. The Role of Physiotherapists and OTs in Manual Handling
4. Equipment and Assistive Technology Used in Aged Care
   
5. Training Programs and Risk Minimisation Strategies
6. FAQs

Key Takeaways

• Manual handling in aged care includes lifting, transferring, and supporting older adults in daily activities.
• Unsafe handling is one of the leading causes of workplace injury in healthcare, with over 40% of injuries linked to lifting or moving people (Safe Work Australia).
• Poor practice impacts both carers (back pain, strains) and clients (falls, skin tears, anxiety).
• Prevention relies on good technique, equipment, and workplace systems, supported by allied health expertise.
• Fleet Healthcare provides manual handling plans, training, and equipment assessments through physiotherapy and occupational therapy services.

 

What Is Manual Handling? Common Examples in Aged Care

Manual handling refers to any activity that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, or otherwise moving a person or object. In aged care, it specifically relates to the everyday tasks of supporting older adults with movement and transfers. Because mobility often decreases with age, manual handling becomes part of almost every shift for carers  and with it comes the responsibility to do so safely. Helping an older adult walk safely is a key part of manual handling and it ties closely to broader fall prevention strategies in aged care. ​​Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults – strategies like those outlined in our article Fall Prevention for the Elderly: Proven Strategies from a Mobile Physio can make a big difference.

Common Examples in Aged Care

In aged care settings, manual handling may include:

• Bed transfers: Helping someone move from bed to chair, or repositioning them to reduce the risk of pressure injuries.
• Personal care assistance: Supporting toileting, showering, or dressing.
• Mobility support: Helping an older adult walk with or without a mobility aid.
• Repositioning: Turning clients in bed or adjusting their position in a chair.
• Handling equipment: Moving items such as wheelchairs, commodes, or slide sheets.

These tasks may seem routine, but without the right techniques, they can quickly become hazardous.

Why It Matters

Manual handling isn’t just about moving people from one place to another. Done well, it protects the dignity and comfort of the older person while minimising risks for both the client and the carer. Done poorly, it can lead to injuries, reduced confidence, and in some cases, long-term disability.

According to Safe Work Australia, manual handling is a leading cause of workplace injury in the healthcare sector, responsible for over 40% of reported cases. These figures underline why proper training and awareness are essential for anyone involved in aged care.

The Link to Safety and Dignity

Safe manual handling in aged care is not just a physical skill, it’s also about communication and respect. Explaining movements before assisting, working at the client’s pace, and using appropriate equipment all contribute to a safer and more positive experience. For older adults, this can reduce anxiety and build trust in their carers, which is just as important as reducing physical risk.

Risks of Poor Manual Handling for Clients and Carers

Manual handling is one of the most common activities in aged care but it’s also one of the riskiest when not done safely. The impact extends to both carers and older adults, with consequences that can be physical, emotional, and organisational.

Risks for Carers

Carers are at high risk of musculoskeletal injuries when lifting, transferring, or repositioning clients without correct technique or assistive equipment. Common problems include:

• Back strain and spinal injuries, often caused by bending or twisting while lifting.
• Shoulder, neck, and wrist injuries, from repetitive or awkward movements.
• Chronic pain and fatigue, which accumulate over time with repeated unsafe handling.

Healthcare workers experience some of the highest rates of workplace injury in Australia. WorkSafe Victoria identifies manual handling as the leading cause of musculoskeletal disorders in the aged care sector.

Risks for Clients

Older adults are equally at risk when manual handling isn’t carried out safely. Consequences include:

• Falls, the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations among older Australians (AIHW, 2022). Poor technique during transfers or inadequate support can significantly increase fall risk.
• Skin tears and bruising, particularly for clients with fragile skin or reduced mobility.
• Psychological distress, as clients may feel unsafe, anxious, or embarrassed if handling is rough, rushed, or poorly explained.
• Loss of dignity and independence, which can undermine trust in carers and reduce willingness to engage in daily activities.

Organisational Impact

Unsafe manual handling doesn’t just affect individuals, it also impacts aged care providers. High injury rates lead to increased workers’ compensation claims, staff shortages, and burnout. A systematic review in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that consistent manual handling training and access to lifting equipment significantly reduces musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers (Sciencedirect, 2018).

Why Prevention Matters

The evidence is clear: poor manual handling is one of the greatest safety risks in aged care, but it is also highly preventable. Training, appropriate use of equipment, and safe workplace systems dramatically reduce the likelihood of injury. When carers feel confident in their handling skills and clients feel secure, the result is better safety, dignity, and overall quality of care.

The Role of Physiotherapists and OTs in Manual Handling

While safe manual handling starts with good workplace systems and equipment, allied health professionals, particularly physiotherapists and occupational therapists play a crucial role in supporting carers and older adults to move safely. Their expertise bridges the gap between safety, function, and dignity.

How Physiotherapists Contribute

Physiotherapists bring specialised knowledge in movement, strength, and injury prevention. In the context of aged care, they:

• Assess a client’s mobility, balance, and physical capacity to guide safe transfers.
• Develop tailored exercise programs that improve strength, balance and reduce fall risk.
• Provide advice on pacing and safe techniques for carers when assisting with movement.
• Support rehabilitation after falls or injuries, helping clients regain independence safely.

By addressing the physical function of both clients and staff, physiotherapists help reduce strain and minimise the likelihood of injuries during manual handling.

How Occupational Therapists Contribute

Occupational therapists focus on enabling clients to engage in daily activities as safely and independently as possible. Their role in manual handling includes:

• Conducting functional assessments to identify risks in daily routines such as transfers, toileting, or bathing.
• Recommending and prescribing assistive equipment, from slide sheets and hoists to height-adjustable beds.
• Advising on environmental modifications (e.g. layout changes to reduce awkward lifting or carrying).
• Providing carers and families with practical strategies for supporting clients while minimising physical strain.

OTs ensure that both the environment and the equipment are set up to support safe, efficient handling, which is just as important as technique. Occupational therapy and home modifications are essential for making the home environment safer, see “Home Modification, Occupational Therapy: Enhance Independence” for more examples.

A Collaborative Approach

Physiotherapists and OTs often work together when addressing manual handling challenges. For example, a physio may improve a client’s strength and balance to make transfers easier, while an OT recommends the right hoist or chair to make the process safer for both client and carer. This combination ensures that manual handling isn’t just about avoiding injury – it’s also about promoting independence and dignity for older adults.

Why Allied Health Matters in Manual Handling

Safe manual handling is more than compliance. It’s about ensuring older people can move with confidence, carers feel supported, and aged care providers reduce risks across the board. Involving allied health professionals adds a level of expertise that strengthens both safety outcomes and quality of care.

Equipment and Assistive Technology Used in Aged Care

Safe manual handling in aged care isn’t just about technique, it’s also about having the right tools for the job. Equipment and assistive technology play a central role in reducing strain on carers and preventing injuries for older adults. When used correctly, they not only improve safety but also preserve independence and dignity.

Common Equipment in Aged Care

Hoists and Lifting Devices
Mechanical and ceiling hoists allow carers to safely transfer clients between bed, chair, or bathroom facilities. When paired with slings that suit the client’s needs, hoists dramatically reduce the physical strain on staff and the risk of falls for clients.

Slide Sheets and Transfer Boards
Slide sheets reduce friction during repositioning in bed or when moving a client from one surface to another. Transfer boards are particularly useful for clients with some mobility who need support bridging gaps, such as moving from a bed to a wheelchair.

Height-Adjustable Beds and Chairs
Adjustable furniture allows carers to work at safer heights, avoiding awkward bending and lifting. For clients, this equipment provides comfort and makes it easier to move in and out of bed or a chair.

Walking Aids and Mobility Equipment
Frames, rollators, and walking sticks support safe mobility for clients who can still walk but require stability. Physiotherapists often prescribe and fit these devices to ensure they match individual needs.

The Role of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology is not limited to large equipment. It can also include smaller solutions such as transfer belts, shower chairs, or grab rails. These modifications are often recommended after an occupational therapy assessment, ensuring the equipment fits both the environment and the client’s abilities.

Why Equipment Matters

Evidence shows that access to safe handling equipment significantly reduces injury rates for both carers and clients. A WorkSafe Victoria review highlights that workplaces with consistent use of lifting equipment and training see far fewer musculoskeletal injuries among staff. For older adults, this means fewer falls and greater confidence in daily transfers.

Putting Safety First

The best outcomes come when equipment is combined with safe technique and ongoing training. Simply owning a hoist or slide sheet isn’t enough, staff and family carers need to understand how and when to use them. Allied health professionals, particularly occupational therapists, play a vital role in recommending, prescribing, and training carers in the correct use of equipment.

Training Programs and Risk Minimisation Strategies

Even with the best equipment and policies in place, safe manual handling ultimately depends on the knowledge and confidence of carers. That’s why ongoing training and clear risk minimisation strategies are essential in aged care, not only to protect staff but also to safeguard the wellbeing and dignity of older adults.

The Importance of Training

Manual handling training provides carers with practical skills and knowledge they can apply every day. It covers areas such as:

• Correct techniques for lifting, lowering, and supporting clients.
• The safe use of equipment like hoists, slide sheets, and adjustable beds.
• Identifying and avoiding high-risk movements or postures.
• Communicating effectively with clients during transfers.

Research shows that training has a measurable impact. A systematic review in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that facilities offering regular manual handling education combined with access to lifting equipment significantly reduced musculoskeletal injury rates among staff (Sciencedirect, 2018).

Building a Culture of Safety

One-off training sessions are not enough. Aged care facilities and home care organisations benefit most from embedding a culture of safety, where carers feel supported to follow best practice. This includes:

• Ensuring equipment is readily available and well-maintained.
• Encouraging staff to report hazards or unsafe practices.
• Providing refreshers and updates when new equipment or techniques are introduced.
• Promoting teamwork so carers share the load and reduce risk.

Risk Minimisation in Practice

Risk minimisation isn’t only about protecting carers. It also improves outcomes for clients. Practical strategies include:

• Conducting manual handling risk assessments in both residential facilities and private homes.
• Involving physiotherapists and occupational therapists in developing client-specific handling plans.
• Adjusting routines to match the client’s capacity, rather than forcing unsafe movements.
• Ensuring carers are trained to adapt when symptoms or mobility levels change.

The Benefits of Prevention

By investing in training and proactive risk management, aged care providers reduce injuries, lower compensation costs, and improve staff retention. Just as importantly, older adults experience safer, more dignified care. Prevention, in this sense, is not just a safety measure, It’s a marker of high-quality, person-centred care.

FAQs

What is manual handling in aged care?

Manual handling in aged care refers to the tasks involved in lifting, supporting, or moving older adults as part of daily care. This includes helping with bed transfers, repositioning, mobility support, and moving equipment. Safe manual handling protects both carers and clients from injury.

Why is manual handling training important for aged care workers?

Manual handling training equips carers with the skills and confidence to perform transfers safely. It reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injuries for staff and minimises falls, skin tears, and distress for clients. Research shows that regular training combined with access to lifting equipment significantly reduces injury rates in aged care facilities.

What equipment helps with safe lifting in aged care?

Common equipment includes hoists, slide sheets, transfer boards, height-adjustable beds, and mobility aids. Occupational therapists often recommend and prescribe this equipment after assessing the client’s environment and needs.

How do physiotherapists and occupational therapists support safe manual handling?

Physiotherapists assess mobility, strength, and balance, while occupational therapists focus on functional capacity, environmental safety, and equipment prescription. Together, they create safe handling plans that reduce risks for carers and promote independence for clients.

Can manual handling training reduce workplace injuries?

Yes. Evidence shows that facilities with consistent training and access to assistive equipment report significantly fewer musculoskeletal injuries among staff. For clients, this means safer care, fewer falls, and greater confidence during transfers.

Final Thoughts

Manual handling is more than a workplace requirement,  it’s a cornerstone of safe, dignified aged care. When lifting, transferring, or repositioning is done properly, it protects carers from injury and ensures older adults feel secure, respected, and comfortable. When it’s done poorly, the risks are significant for everyone involved.

The evidence is clear: prevention through safe techniques, equipment, and ongoing training makes the biggest difference. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists add another layer of support by creating tailored handling plans, recommending equipment, and helping carers put strategies into practice.

At Fleet Healthcare, we believe that safe manual handling is about more than compliance, it’s about building confidence, safety, and dignity into every interaction. Our allied health team works with aged care facilities, in-home carers, and families to provide assessments, handling plans, and practical strategies that reduce risks and improve quality of life.

If you’re ready to make manual handling safer in your care setting, making a referral or booking is simple. Connect with Fleet Healthcare today and let us support you in delivering safe, high-quality aged care.

Author Bio

Alexander Hunt is the Founder and Managing Director of Fleet Healthcare. As a practising physiotherapist, he brings over a decade of experience across NDIS, aged care, and mobile allied health. Alex is passionate about delivering care that meets people where they are — and helps them thrive in their everyday environment.

 

Professional Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

While we aim to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, professional standards, funding arrangements, eligibility criteria, and regulatory frameworks may change and may vary between providers and governing bodies.

Any references to funding or service access are general in nature and should be confirmed directly with the relevant provider or authority.

Fleet Healthcare Services Pty Ltd accepts no liability for actions taken based on the information provided in this article.