Manual Handling Assessments:
Safe Support for Everyday Care

Why Manual Handling is Critical

Supporting someone with transfers or personal care can be physically demanding and sometimes unsafe without the right guidance. 

If things feel unclear or inconsistent, a manual handling assessment can make a big difference. 

What is a manual handling assessment?

A manual handling assessment looks at how a person is supported during everyday physical tasks, such as: 

• Moving from bed to chair
• Using the bathroom or shower
• Repositioning in bed

The goal is to find the safest and most comfortable way to support these movements. 

Why it matters

Without a clear plan, manual handling can increase the risk of injury for support workers and cause discomfort or unnecessary risk for the person being supported. It can also lead to different approaches being used by different team members. 

Over time, this can affect confidence, safety and the overall support experience. 

How our OTs help

Our Occupational Therapists create practical, easy-to-follow plans based on real-life situations. 

This may include step-by-step guidance for transfers, recommendations for equipment like hoists or slide sheets, clear instructions on how many people are needed for support and/or simple changes to the home to improve safety. 

Everything is designed to be clear and easy for support teams to follow. 

What this improves

A clear manual handling plan can support safer transfers, reduce the risk of injury and help create a more consistent approach across the support team. It can also help carers and support workers feel more confident, while making everyday movements more comfortable for the person being supported. 

When to consider a referral

A manual handling assessment may help if:

• Transfers unsafe or difficult
• There has been a fall or a near miss
• Support needs are increasing
• Staff have raised concerns
• Someone is returning home from hospital
• Moving into Specialist Disability Accommodation or a new home

Local support that understands your needs

McCall’s Allied Health team supports people across Southwest and Northwest Sydney. 

We focus on practical solutions that make everyday life safer, easier, and more independent. 

If transfers are becoming difficult, support needs have changed or you’re unsure whether the current approach is safe, talk to the McCall Allied Health team about a manual handling assessment.