COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the course on Safe Manual Handling & Mobility in Disability Support. This program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to perform manual handling tasks safely and effectively, ensuring the wellbeing of both workers and clients.

We begin with an introduction to manual handling within the context of disability support. Understanding the significance of safe practices is crucial for preventing injuries and promoting a safe environment for both support workers and clients.

Next, we explore the risks and hazards associated with manual handling. Identifying common hazards, assessing risks associated with various tasks, and implementing strategies to mitigate these risks are key components of this section.

Legal and ethical considerations play a significant role in manual handling. We will review Australian legislation and guidelines, discuss the ethical responsibilities of support workers, and emphasise the importance of complying with workplace policies to ensure a safe working environment.

Risk assessment and planning are fundamental to safe manual handling. This section covers conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing individualised handling plans, and the importance of regularly reviewing and updating these plans.

Proper lifting techniques and body mechanics are essential to prevent injuries. We will cover techniques for safe lifting and lowering, maintaining proper posture and alignment, and avoiding common lifting mistakes to ensure safe practices.

The use of manual handling equipment and assistive devices can greatly enhance safety. We will provide an overview of common assistive devices, safe operation and maintenance of equipment, and the importance of training and familiarisation with new devices.

Safe techniques for transferring and positioning individuals are critical skills in disability support. This section covers a wide range of techniques, including bed-to-chair, chair-to-bed, wheelchair-to-toilet, and many other transfer scenarios to ensure safe and effective handling.

Ergonomic practices in disability support settings are essential for minimising strain and promoting worker health. We will discuss designing ergonomic workspaces, using ergonomic tools and equipment, and adapting tasks to minimise physical strain.

Preventing and managing falls and other accidents is a vital aspect of safe manual handling. Identifying fall risks, implementing prevention strategies, and responding effectively to falls and injuries are crucial skills covered in this section.

Adapting the environment for safe manual handling involves modifying the physical environment, ensuring adequate space and lighting, and using environmental aids to support safe handling practices.

Handling emergencies and unexpected situations requires preparedness and adaptability. This section covers emergency preparedness and response plans, managing medical emergencies during manual handling, and adapting techniques in crisis situations.

Finally, monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement in manual handling practices and mobility assistance are essential for maintaining high standards of safety. Setting up monitoring systems, reporting incidents and near misses, and implementing feedback for continuous improvement are key topics in this concluding section.

By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to perform manual handling tasks safely, ensuring the wellbeing of both yourself and those you support.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

·       Overview of Manual Handling and Mobility Assistance in Disability Support

·       Importance of Safe Practices for Support Workers and Clients

·       Identifying Common Hazards in Manual Handling

·       Assessing Risks Associated with Different Tasks

·       Strategies to Mitigate Risks

·       Australian Legislation and Guidelines on Manual Handling

·       Ethical Responsibilities of Support Workers

·       Ensuring Compliance with Workplace Policies

·       Conducting Comprehensive Risk Assessments

·       Developing Individualised Handling Plans

·       Reviewing and Updating Handling Plans Regularly

·       Proper Lifting Techniques and Body Mechanics

·       Avoiding Common Lifting Mistakes

·       Use of Manual Handling Equipment and Assistive Devices

·       Safe Operation and Maintenance of Equipment

·       Training and Familiarisation with New Devices

·       Safe Techniques for Bed-to-Chair Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Chair-to-Bed Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Wheelchair-to-Toilet Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Chair-to-Wheelchair Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Car-to-Wheelchair Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Bed-to-Stretcher Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Standing Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Floor-to-Chair Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Wheelchair-to-Bath or Shower Transfers

·       Safe Techniques for Seated Repositioning

·       Safe Techniques for Prone and Supine Repositioning

·       Safe Techniques for Hoyer Lift Transfers

·       Assisting with Ambulation and Mobility

·       Ergonomic Practices in Disability Support Settings

·       Adapting Tasks to Minimise Strain

·       Preventing and Managing Falls and Other Accidents

·       Adapting the Environment for Safe Manual Handling

·       Handling Emergencies and Unexpected Situations

·       Managing Medical Emergencies during Manual Handling

·       Adapting Manual Handling Techniques in Crisis Situations

·       Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement in Manual Handling Practices and Mobility Assistance

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.