Manual Handling Regulations and Best Practices in Australia: A Guide for NDIS Service Providers
Working with individuals with varying needs can involve a wide range of risks – for the individuals themselves and for their support people. Australia has regulations designed to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries and ensure people with disability receive a high standard of care.
Legal framework for manual handling in Australia
The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) is the overarching legislation covering all aspects of workplace health and safety in Australia. This includes safety with manual handling in the workplace.
The WHS Act provides a framework for promoting and enforcing workplace health and safety standards. States and territories have their own WHS laws, but they align closely with the federal model.
- reduce workplace risks
- ensure any work health and safety issues are dealt with quickly
- foster safer and healthier working environments.
All Australian workplaces have a duty of care to anyone who may be impacted by their activities (including employees, contractors, students, volunteers and the public) under the WHS Act.
This includes providing adequate facilities, a safe working environment, and appropriate training, instruction or supervision to enable workers to do their jobs safely.
Many facets of the legislation are relevant to manual handling tasks such as lifting, moving, and supporting others. For example, under this framework, employers must:
- identify hazards and assess risks associated with manual handling
- implement risk control measures to help ensure safety
- train and educate employees about safe manual handling practices.
For NDIS service providers, compliance with WHS regulations is not only legally mandated but essential for ethical and safe client care.
Find out more at Safe Work Australia.
NDIS Practice Standards
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission oversees provision of services under the NDIS. It regulates providers and works to ensure participants receive safe, high-quality services and supports.
The commission requires registered NDIS providers to adhere to the NDIS Practice Standards, which include guidelines for managing manual handling risks.
Several of these standards are relevant for manual handling, including the following.
Standard 1: Rights and responsibilities
Manual handling skills are key to achieving independence and providing person-centred supports while maintaining the individual’s privacy and dignity.
For example, an individual with a spinal cord injury may need support to transfer from their bed to their wheelchair. Support workers with appropriate manual handling skills could assist that individual to use a transfer board safely and with dignity.
Standard 2: Governance and operational management
Appropriate manual handling policies and training help ensure workers are competent to perform their roles, and that any feedback or complaints related to manual handling are addressed in a compliant manner. This standard also covers risk management, stipulating that risks to participants and providers must be identified, assessed, prioritised, documented and addressed.
This includes manual handling risks such as:
- musculoskeletal injuries – commonly reported injuries include strains and sprains, often caused by repetitive lifting or awkward postures.
- physical fatigue – long shifts and physically intensive tasks can lead to fatigue, potentially increasing the likelihood of injuries.
- client behaviours – in some cases, clients may display challenging behaviours that could put workers at risk during manual handling activities.
Standard 3: Provision of supports
Manual handling techniques are often an essential part of providing supports that meet a participant’s needs, goals and preferences.
For example, a client may need support to transfer into a vehicle so they can take part in a community activity.
Standard 4: Provision of supports environment
Manual handling equipment and skills are often key to providing supports in a safe and appropriate environment. This standard recognises that providers may need to collaborate with others (such as allied health professionals) to manage risks and accurately interpret a participant’s needs and preferences.
A provider might need to consult with an NDIS physiotherapist, for example, to develop a manual handling care plan for an individual with complex support needs.
Providers might need to collaborate with allied health professionals to develop manual handling plans
Standard 5: Early childhood supports
This standard specifies that participating children and families must have access to family-centred, inclusive and strengths-based supports that promote skill development and enable them to take part in everyday activities. Manual handling techniques and equipment may be crucial to achieving this.
For example, a child with cerebral palsy may need support to transfer into a motorised wheelchair so they can take part in learning activities.
Best practices for safe manual handling in NDIS services
To protect both staff and clints, NDIS providers need to develop robust manual handling practices. The following strategies can help NDIS providers maintain high safety standards and meet their legal and regulatory obligations.
1. Conduct thorough risk assessments
Manual handling risk assessments should be undertaken regularly to identify potential hazards. This should involve an assessment of:
- the physical environment – for example, are there any trip hazards? Is there enough space to manoeuvre manual handling equipment such as a hoist? Is equipment appropriately positioned to reduce strain?
- the manual handling tasks – break down tasks to assess physical demands and identify risks associated with each stage.
- client needs – consider the unique needs of each client, such as any mobility or sensory issues, behavioural considerations, or medical conditions.
2. Use assistive technologies
Appropriate use of assistive equipment is an effective way to reduce manual handling risks. Hoists, slings, adjustable beds, wheelchairs, and transfer boards can help minimise physical strain on workers while increasing client comfort, dignity and safety.
The following can help ensure assistive equipment is used safely to optimise client care.
- Routine inspections – equipment should be checked regularly to ensure it is in good condition, meets any regulations (eg electrical safety testing requirements), and has been maintained according to manufacturer guidelines. Repair or replace equipment as needed.
- Training – ensure staff are trained to use equipment correctly to maximise safety and efficiency.
3. Provide quality manual handling training
Training is a cornerstone of safe manual handling. All staff members should undergo initial and ongoing training in manual handling techniques. These sessions should cover:
- correct lifting and movement techniques – training on posture, balance, and lifting methods can help reduce the strain of manual handling.
- safe use of equipment – staff should be competent to use assistive devices like hoists and wheelchairs if necessary.
- behavioural management – in cases where clients may resist or react unexpectedly during handling, staff should undergo training in how to manage this.
4. Promote teamwork and communication
Many manual handling tasks are often safer when performed with a colleague. For example, a buddy system for tasks that involve lifting or repositioning clients can reduce the physical burden on individual workers.
Good communication with the client is essential: let them know what is happening and monitor whether they are comfortable throughout any manual handling task.
Additionally, clear communication before, during, and after a task can help to coordinate the movements of team members and reduce the likelihood of mishaps.
Providers might need to collaborate with allied health professionals to develop manual handling plans
Ethical manual handling considerations under the NDIS
Ethical considerations play a significant role in manual handling within NDIS services. Clients are entitled to receive respectful support with privacy and dignity – and this right is included in the NDIS Practice Standards.
Respect client autonomy and dignity
- Informed consent – make sure clients understand what the task involves and seek their consent before beginning.
- Person-centred care – recognise that each client’s preferences and comfort levels are different and adjust handling techniques accordingly.
Transparency and accountability
NDIS providers have a duty to maintain transparency regarding manual handling practices. Keeping clients informed about equipment, processes, and the purpose of each handling procedure promotes an environment of trust.
Feedback and continuous improvement
Need expert manual handling support or advice?
At Active Ability, our experienced team of NDIS physiotherapists can help with manual handling advice and training. Whether you need a one-off consult or ongoing therapeutic support, we can tailor a solution to meet your needs.
Our manual handling advice and training will consider:
- the needs and goals of the individual or organisation
- the physical environment and availability of supports
- the availability and appropriateness of assistive devices
- manual handling risks and how best to deal with them.
Our team focuses on working with individuals with disability and their families, including adults and children with autism, neurological disorders, mental health conditions and intellectual disability.
To learn more, contact us on (02) 86787874, hello@activeability.com.au or via our contact form.
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