What Is A Moving And Handling Course

What is a moving and handling course? It covers assisting and repositioning people rather than moving objects, and that difference changes the whole approach.

A load does not move on its own. A person does. They may resist, become distressed mid-transfer, lose balance without warning, or vary considerably from one day to the next. Equipment has to be matched to the individual, and dignity has to be preserved throughout.

So the content covers things object handling never touches. Assessing a person’s capacity before each transfer. Using hoists, slide sheets and transfer belts correctly. Working as a pair with clear communication. Knowing when not to proceed.

It is core training in aged care, disability services and health, where the injury rates are among the highest of any sector.

Safe Work Australia covers hazardous manual tasks. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s manual handling course for disability and healthcare workers and manual handling course.