Disability services - occupational health and safety compliance kit

A Health and Safety SolutionMoving and supporting peoplewith a disabilityWhat is the problem?The task of moving and supporting people with adisability has been associated with musculoskeletalinjuries within the disability services industry.What are the risks?Workers may be at risk of injuries from strainsto the back, neck and shoulders when bending,twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling and exerting highor unexpected forces.The common sources of risk include:TaskExerting high forces to lift, transfer or movepeople where no equipment or aids are available.Moving unexpectedly or with abrupt forcefulmotions such as when preventing peoplefrom falling.Working in an awkward position forsustained periods (eg assisting with mealsor dressing/undressing).Managing unpredictable client movements orbehaviours such as seizures, expressions ofstrong emotion or self-harm.EquipmentUnsuitable equipment or aids.Faulty equipment or aids.No equipment or aids.EnvironmentInsufficient space for workers to use equipment.Equipment or aids stored in inaccessible locations.Inappropriate working heights.Thick carpets or soft underlay on floor.Different floor levels.Uneven surfaces.These issues should be considered during theinitial assessment of the person’s needs and ifthey pose a risk, must be controlled prior to theprovision of service.What are solutions to the problem?The risk of injury to workers can be eliminatedor reduced by the following safety measures:Equipment/aid provision and useWhen supporting a person who requires minimalphysical support, equipment to reduce the risk ofinjury to workers may include:hand/grab railselectric stand chairmodified/specific chairleg lifterbed stickdining chair with lockable wheelswalking aids such as a frame or stick.When supporting a person who is able topartially assist, additional equipment to reducethe risk of injury to workers may include:electric hi-lo bedstanding hoist to lift person into a supportedstanding position, to transfer from one locationto another, or when assistance is requiredmobile sling hoist to lift and transfer peopleshort distancesslide sheetslide boardhi-lo change tableheight-adjustable ergonomic chair for workerssock/stocking applicatorWhen a person requires full support, additionalequipment to reduce the risk of injury to workersmay include:overhead tracking hoist to move person fromthe floor, chair or bedwheelchair with electric motor.Ensure transfer equipment and aids are:suitable for the taskeasy to use and manoeuvremaintained in good working order.HSS0128/01/01.10(Health and Safety Solution continued overleaf).

A Health and Safety SolutionEnvironmentReduce clutter.Provide adequate working space.Use furniture and equipment that is light,compact and easy to move where necessary.Assess floor surfaces for suitability for movingany wheeled equipment and make appropriatemodifications if required (vinyl or low pile carpet).Store equipment in a convenient location.Adjust transfer surfaces to support movementat approximately the same level (eg from bedto wheelchair).TaskAllocate two workers for transfers for a personwho requires full or partial assistance.Develop and implement a system so the transferThe problemExerting high forces to lift, transfer or move people where noequipment or aids are available.A solutionMobile electric hoists may be used for tasks such as lifting peoplefrom bed to chair, chair to toilet, bed to trolley and up from the floor.of a person will not proceed until a secondworker is available.Develop and implement a system to regularlyseek information from the worker to check ifthe work environment, tasks or person’s needshave changed or need to change.Regularly review the person’s mobility andbehavioural requirements with worker andperson to identify potential changes to clientcare, update relevant documentation andoccupational health and safety controls.If changes have been made or need to be made,employers should complete a re-assessmentof the worker’s tasks and environment. Fix anysafety issues as soon as possible so the worker’sand person’s needs are safely met.Train workers in using equipment, aids andspecific task or work instructions. Update thetraining regularly.Further InformationWorkSafe Advisory ServiceToll-free 1800 136 089Email info@worksafe.vic.gov.auworksafe.vic.gov.auRelated WorkSafe Health and Safety SolutionsSupporting people with personal hygiene careAssisting people in wheelchairsHandling wheelchairs in and out of vehiclesOccupational violenceMoving/lifting objectsVacuumingMoppingCleaning bathroomsMaking bedsWork related driving: Transporting people andmoving equipmentRelated WorkSafe publicationsManual Handling Code of Practice, 2000Transferring people safelyOther related publicationsVictorian home care industry occupational healthand safety guide, 2005Department of Human Services, Accommodationstandards and design guidelines – Sharedsupported accommodation, 2004Available fromworksafe.vic.gov.au and health.vic.gov.au2

A Health and Safety SolutionSupporting people with personalhygiene careWhat is the problem?Providing support with personal hygiene tasks,such as showering or toileting, to people with adisability has been associated with musculoskeletalinjuries in the disability services industry.What are the risks?Workers may be at risk of injuries from strains to theback, neck and shoulders when bending, reaching,twisting and exerting high or unexpected forces.The common sources of risks include:TaskA mismatch between the assistance required bythe person and the documentation identifyingtheir physical support needs.Aids and equipment not being provided and/orused when assessed as necessary.Unexpected and unplanned movement by the person.EnvironmentInadequate space to shower/bath/toilet the person.Wet or slippery floors.EquipmentUnsuitable equipment or aids.Faulty equipment or aids.No equipment or aids.These issues should be considered during the initialassessment of the client’s needs and any risks identifiedshould be controlled prior to provision of service.What are solutions to the problem?The risk of injury to workers can be eliminatedor reduced by the following safety measures:SystemsIdentify hazards and address the risks associatedwith bathing, toileting or showering the personwith a disability, taking into account the level ofsupport the person requiresConduct an individualised assessment regardingthe physical support needs of the client, includingequipment and aids requiredHSS0127/01/01.10Identify and implement risk control measuresand integrate occupational health and safety(OHS) controls into the client’s support plan(This information can also be recorded in aseparate OHS plan)Provide workers with information, instruction andtraining on the client’s physical support needs,including OHS controlsEncourage the person with a disability to activelyparticipate and/or contribute to physical supporttasks where possible.Implement systems to:regularly seek information from the worker tocheck if their work environment, tasks or client’sneeds have changed, or need to changere-assess the tasks and environmentupdate and document the client’s physicalsupport planmonitor the implementation and use of OHScontrols so the worker’s and client’s needs aresafely metprovide a system so workers can report anychanges or safety issues to their employerprovide workers with training in specific tasksor work instructions.Equipment/aid provision and useEquipment or aids to support a person witha disability and undertake personal hygienetasks are:assessed as suitable for the taskappropriate for the space (eg hoists orshower chair)available, easy to access from storage, setup and useinstalled or supplied prior to servicecommencingmaintained in good working orderassessed as appropriate for the needs ofthe person with a disability and safe for useby the worker.(Health and Safety Solution continued overleaf).

A Health and Safety SolutionAssisting people in wheelchairsWhat is the problem?The task of assisting people in wheelchairs hasbeen associated with musculoskeletal injurieswithin the disability services industry.What are the risks?Workers may be at risk of injuries to the back,neck, shoulders and wrists when assisting peoplein wheelchairs, particularly from pushing, pulling,bending and exerting high forces.The common sources of risk include:EquipmentWheelchairs that are not maintained or poorlymaintained (eg flat tyres, brakes not working, loosewheels, castors and damaged upholstery/frame).Wheelchairs that are not suitable for the clientand/or environment.Repairs and modifications conducted byunauthorised or unqualified people.Failure to charge electric batteries.TaskEffort involved in pushing the combined weightof the wheelchair and client.Pushing wheelchairs long distances.Transferring people in/out of wheelchairs.Pushing an electric wheelchair in free wheel mode.Driving electric wheelchairs when usingattendant controls.EnvironmentSoft floor surfaces such as deep pile carpets,rugs, lino with soft underlay.Inadequate space to manoeuvre wheelchairs.Pushing wheelchairs over steep or unevensurfaces (eg grass, gravel, curbs, ramps).Controlling wheelchairs up and down ramps.Inadequate information about wheelchair accessibility.What are solutions to the problem?Implement a system to inspect and review theworkplace and equipment, and identify anychanges in the individual’s needs.If changes have been made or need to be made,employers should complete a re-assessment of theworker’s tasks and environment.Fix any safety issues as soon as possible so theworker’s and client’s needs are safely met.The risk of injury can be eliminated or reduced bythe following safety measures:EquipmentInvolve workers in assessment and selection ofa wheelchair in relation to:the client’s needsworker safetyenvironment where wheelchair will be usedease of operation for client and workersneed for attendant controls onelectric wheelchairs.Regularly maintain and inspect wheelchairs (egchecks on tyre pressure, brakes, controls, tyrewear, fabric/structure, charging point and batterycondition). If the wheelchair is client owned,include this requirement in the service agreement.TaskDevelop procedures to identify the safestmovement of the wheelchair and client.Provide workers with training in the use ofwheelchairs including:going up and down curbs, controlling onslopes, managing small lips of ramps, turningpractical supervised training exercises at arange of community locations (cafes, trainstations, cinema)information provided by manufacturer and/orsupplier if available.HSS0125/01/01.10(Health and Safety Solution continued overleaf).

A Health and Safety SolutionEnvironmentAssess floor surfaces for minimal friction to assistease of movement. Where necessary, modifyexisting flooring.Provide adequate space to manoeuvre(eg appropriate door widths).Develop and implement a system so if changes aremade to the home or environment, the organisationproviding the support is notified (eg installation orremoval of a portable ramp, home renovation).Conduct a pre-visit assessment of accessibilitybefore engaging in community-based activities.Avoid sand, loose stone or dirt paths when usingindoor wheelchairs.The problemPushing wheelchairs over steep, uneven or soft surfaces can putthe worker at risk of injury to the back, neck and shoulders.A solutionFurther InformationWorkSafe Advisory ServiceToll-free 1800 136 089Email info@worksafe.vic.gov.auworksafe.vic.gov.auRelated WorkSafe Health and Safety SolutionsMoving and supporting people with a disabilitySupporting people with personal hygiene careHandling wheelchairs in and out of vehiclesOccupational violenceMoving/lifting objectsVacuumingMoppingCleaning bathroomsMaking bedsWork related driving: Transporting people andmoving equipmentRelated publicationsDepartment of Human Services, Accommodationstandards and design guidelines – Sharedsupported accommodation, 2004Victorian home care industry occupational healthand safety guide, 2005Available fromworksafe.vic.gov.au and health.vic.gov.auAustralian StandardsAS/NZS 3856:1998, Hoists and ramps forpeople with disabilities – Vehicle-mounted –Product requirementsAS/NZS 2640:1994, Portable ramps for vehiclesAS3693 – Wheelchairs—Nomenclature, termsand definitionsAS3695 – Wheelchairs—Product requirementsAS3696 – WheelchairsISO 10542-1:2001,Technical systems and aids fordisabled or handicapped persons – Wheelchairtie down and occupant – restraint systemsOutdoors, avoid sand, loose dirt, dirt paths when using indoorwheelchairs. Indoors, avoid thick pile carpet and rugs and lino withsoft underlay.2

A Health and Safety SolutionHandling wheelchairs in andout of vehiclesWhat is the problem?Moving wheelchairs in and out of vehicles has beenassociated with musculoskeletal injuries to workers.What are the risks?Workers may be at risk of injuries to the backand shoulders when moving wheelchairs in andout of vehicles, particularly when lifting, reaching,pushing, pulling, bending and exerting high forcesin awkward postures.The common sources of risk include:WheelchairsSize and weightAwkward shapeRigid or collapsible typeInflatable or rigid tyresTaskMoving or lifting a wheelchairDisassembling a wheelchair into componentparts to assist with transportationVehiclesLack of appropriate transport, space orattachment points, specifically:Vans/buses/taxisPositioning wheelchairs in the vehicleAttaching a wheelchair to points inside vehicle(eg in floor tracking, A frames or mini A frames)Inadequate space to manoeuvre (eg whenattaching front wheels to security straps).CarsLack of equipment to lift wheelchair in and out of carPositioning a wheelchair in the bootType of car/boot accessLifting a wheelchair up high to avoid damagingcar panels.These issues should be considered during the initialassessment of the client’s need and if they posea risk to workers, should be controlled prior to theprovision of service.HSS0124/01/01.10What are solutions to the problem?Implement a system to regularly seek informationfrom the worker to check if the work environment,tasks, equipment or client’s needs have changed,or need to change.If changes have been made or need to be made,employers should complete a re-assessment of theworker’s tasks, equipment and environment.Fix any safety issues as soon as possible so theworker’s and client’s needs are safely met.The risk of injury can be eliminated or reduced bythe following safety measures:EquipmentProvide the lightest wheelchair that is suitableand safe for the client and activity.Provide manual wheelchairs that are collapsiblewith quick release wheels.Never lift electric wheelchairs or motorisedvehicles such as a scooter. These should onlybe moved in a wheelchair accessible taxi or busfitted with a hoist or a specially adapted vehicle.(Health and Safety Solution continued overleaf).

TaskDevelop operational procedures that identify thesafest sequence of actions for:disassembling the wheelchair into small parts(eg removal of quick release wheels)moving and lifting wheelchairs, including theidentification of parts of the wheelchair to beused as leverage/lifting points.Develop a pre-trip assessment checklist thatincludes detailed accessibility questions relatingto the specific requirements of clients.Complete a venue checklist for all activities.Hire manual wheelchairs and scooters at shoppingcentres to eliminate the need to transport a wheelchair.Contact the shopping centre prior to a visit to check:hiring conditionsthe condition and suitability of the chair(eg tyre pressure and brakes)the environment (eg ramps and access to car park).VehiclesEmployers should assess vehicles as suitable for thetask and/or provide appropriate transport to reducerisks to the worker and client. Vehicles include:the service provider’s specially adapted vehicle(eg rear entry accessible vans)the client’s specially adapted vehiclethe service provider’s carsuitably trained transport providersbus fitted with a hoistthe worker’s own car.Vans/buses/taxisInstall vehicle attachment points by qualifiedand accredited professionals to approvedsafety standards.Develop operational procedures that identifythe safest sequence of actions for:loading/unloadingsecuring the wheelchair during transit.Provide workers with information, instruction andsupervision in documented work procedures.Obtain approval from the Vehicle AssessmentSignatory Scheme (managed by VicRoads) where anymodifications have been/will be made to a vehicle.Use wheelchair accessible taxis to transportmanual and power wheelchairs and scooters.Note: Taxi drivers may provide assistance withboarding and securing the wheelchair or scooterbut may not be required to assist.Scooter loaders fixed to the floor of the vehicle thatuse an electric drive to lift and lower the scooterand rotating arm to swing it into the luggagecompartment or boot. Some loaders can be usedwith a range of scooters and power wheelchairs.2

A Health and Safety SolutionCarsUse aids to reduce risks such as:wheelchair carriers mounted to the tow bar of avehicle. Other options allow the wheelchair to berolled onto the carrier with minimal lifting or requirethe wheelchair to be lifted and hung off hookselectrically operated wheelchair hoists with awinch to raise and store the wheelchair on theback or in the boot of a vehiclewheelchair ramps to allow a wheelchair or scooterto be loaded into a van or station wagon. Rampscan be freestanding or mounted to the tow barscooter and wheelchair trailers allow transportwithout the need to disassemble the equipment.Scooter trailers have a tilting deck to enable ascooter or power wheelchair to be driven on andoff the trailerIf none of the above is practicable, generalguidelines should apply for foldable manualwheelchairs. These include:using a wagon or hatch vehicle where the foldedwheelchair can be slid straight into the bootremoving other items in the boot to providemaximum space for a wheelchairusing suitable equipment such as a wheelchairboot slider or slide sheet to lift foldablewheelchairs in and out of a sedan bootholding wheelchairs as close to the body aspossible when moving wheelchairs to minimiseload when liftingseeking assistance of another personintroducing aids and/or attachments to preventthe wheelchair moving further into the boot duringtransport.Any movements or actions involved with using aidsand equipment to assist in moving unoccupiedwheelchairs should also be assessed to addressmanual handling risks and ensure these risks arecontrolled. For example, lifting and manoeuvring rampsinto position for wheelchairs can also cause injuries.3

A Health and Safety SolutionThe problemLifting heavy and awkward wheelchairs without assistance puts theworker at risk of injury to the back and shoulders.A solutionWheelchair carriers mounted to the tow bar of a vehicle reduceslifting and reaching for the worker.Further InformationWorkSafe Advisory ServiceToll-free 1800 136 089Email info@worksafe.vic.gov.auworksafe.vic.gov.auRelated WorkSafe Health and Safety SolutionsMoving and supporting people with a disabilitySupporting people with personal hygiene careAssisting people in wheelchairsOccupational violenceMoving/lifting objectsVacuumingMoppingCleaning bathroomsMaking bedsWork related driving: Transporting people andmoving equipmentRelated publicationsVictorian home care industry occupational healthand safety guide, 2005Available fromworksafe.vic.gov.au and health.vic.gov.auAustralian StandardsAS/NZS 3856:1998, Hoists and ramps for peoplewith disabilities – Vehicle-mounted – ProductrequirementsAS/NZS 2640:1994, Portable ramps for vehiclesAS3693 – Wheelchairs—Nomenclature, termsand definitionsAS3695 – Wheelchairs—Product requirementsAS3696 – WheelchairsISO 10542-1:2001, Technical systems and aidsfor disabled or handicapped persons – wheelchairtie down and occupant – restraint systems4

More information aboutOccupational violenceThis information sheet provides advice for organisations where jobs that requireface-to-face contact place workers at risk of exposure to occupational violence.May 2011BackgroundOccupational violence is any incident in which a personis abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relatingto their work. This definition covers a broad range ofbehaviours that can create a risk to the health and safetyof workers.In the community services sector, other terms may beused for behaviour that fits this definition (eg acting out,challenging behaviour and behaviours of concern).Whether it is intended or not, occupational violenceis a workplace hazard.OHS laws require employers to ensure risks to healthand safety are eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonablypracticable.What to look out forThe nature and location of work, types of clients, staffinglevels and skill mix can all affect the level of risk ofexposure to occupational violence.Risks of injury due to occupational violence can occurin community service settings where workers interact withother people (eg clients, families and members of the public).The common sources of risk include situations where:• individuals are bored, frustrated, anxious, disinterestedor are under the influence of drugs or alcohol• the physical environment creates a potential for harm(eg workplace is poorly maintained or unsecured or thereis no access to safe areas)• information about individuals’ needs and behaviour is notknown or available to workers• new clients or individuals are introduced into the environment• causes of behaviour are not well understood(eg triggers for behaviours of concern)• communicating with clients is difficult or ineffective(eg clients cannot communicate their feelings or thesource of discomfort, distress, illness)• workers are assigned without adequate support(eg staffing, supervision, monitoring, information,resources)• work is undertaken with clients in a range ofenvironments (eg home visits, transporting clients,recreational activities)• workers are by themselves or isolated• the way services are delivered contributes to clientfrustration (eg long waiting times, refusing services,uncomfortable, overcrowded or noisy environments)• services and clients are not matched• services operate at night• unknown people are present in the workplace or wherework is done.What should employers do?Prevention and management of occupational violencerequires an integrated organisational approach that usessome or all of the following safety measures.ConsultationConsultation is essential to prevent occupational violence.Employers must consult with health and safetyrepresentatives (HSRs) and workers, so far as is reasonablypracticable. Consultation must occur when an employer:• identifies or assesses occupational violence risks• makes decisions about ways to address occupationalviolence risks• makes decisions about providing information and trainingon prevention and management of aggression• plans to change the way work is done.Work environment• Ensure physical layout of work areas are designedto reduce risks.• Provide secure areas that are readily accessiblefor workers.• Ensure work areas, access, egress and related areasare clearly lit.• Provide a calm environment (eg noise levels, colourschemes and temperature).• Keep work areas maintained, clean and tidy.• Where services are provided in external locations, gatherand provide information to identify risks and implementrisk controls (eg where working at night, in high crimeareas or in confined spaces such as vehicles). Where noinformation is available in relation to external locations,assume a high level of risk.Systems• Have a system for each client that includes:– full, accurate and up-to-date information about clientsand care needs– been developed in consultation with family, friends,relevant professionals and other interested peoplewho can provide relevant information– ways to transfer information about clients(eg when they are placed in or exit a service, attendday programs).(Continued over page)MIA026/01/05.11

More information about Occupational violence• Have a system for assessment and screening of clients(eg client assessment is done by a suitably qualifiedperson and includes an assessment of occupationalviolence risks).• Develop, implement, monitor and regularly review clientsupport strategies.• Implement policies that cover the behaviour of visitorsto the workplace (eg client’s friends and family members,members of the public), including consequences forinappropriate behaviour.• Eliminate or limit access to objects or areas thatcould be used to harm workers and/or other clients.• Provide information and training on:– risk factors associated with occupational violence– measures in place at the workplace to control risk– workplace policy and procedures, including emergencyand post incident responses, and off-site visits– communication strategies and skills– positive interventions.• Seek information from workers to check whethertheir work environment, tasks or the client’s needs havechanged, or need to change.Workers and staffing• Provide appropriate supervision and support to workers.• Provide induction training for workers.• Ensure adequate and suitable staffing (eg ensureworkers are matched to care and support needsand client mix, ensure adequate numbers of workers).• Ensure all staff apply client support strategiesconsistently (eg use behaviour management strategiesin the same way and have routines for clients).• Provide communication equipment to workers thatis tested and maintained (eg duress alarms).Further informationWorkSafe Advisory ServiceToll-free 1800 136 089info@worksafe.vic.gov.auworksafe.vic.gov.auRelated WorkSafe publicationsPrevention and management of aggressionin health services, 2008Working safely in community services, 2006Working safely in visiting health services, 2006Working alone, 2011Preventing and responding to bullying at work, 2009WorkSafe OHS compliance kits –Children’s services, disability services, home care,community support servicesVolunteer health and safety –a handbook for community service organisations, 2008Other related publicationsVictorian Home Care Industry OHS Guide, 2005Available from worksafe.vic.gov.auand health.vic.gov.auResponding to incidentsEmployers should ensure appropriate response measuresare in place where there are risks of occupational violence.Workers should be trained on emergency and post-incidentresponses, including what to do during an incident.Workplaces should conduct regular drills to test responsesystems.Response actions help reduce the harm caused to a workerand assist in preventing future incidents.Responses will vary depending on the scale and severityof the incident. Steps taken should include:• ensure staff and client safety, and provide first aidand/or medical treatment where required(where necessary contact police and ensure emergencyphone numbers are readily available)• provide access to support (eg practical and emotional)• provide a coordinated response• record incident details• conduct an incident review/investigation• notify HSRs.2

More information about Occupational violenceOccupational violence: Risk assessment checklistAll employers should carry out a regular check of the workplace in consultation with health and safety representativesand workers to identify if there are signs that occupational violence is happening or could happen (risk identification),and take steps to implement solutions to control risks.This checklist is designed to help employers meet their legal obligations to manage risks associated with occupationalviolence.Follow the checklist to assess the risks and list possible solutions to be implemented.This checklist is not exhaustive. You may need to consider other factors that are unique to your workplace. Add theseto the ‘additional factors’ section of this checklist. There are also other tools found in the publication, Working safelyin visiting health services that you may use to assess risks of occupational violence in your workplace (see the examplechecklists for referral information and initial safety assessment information).If you tick YES to any of the questions below, implement risk control measures such as those mentioned under‘solutions for occupational violence’ in this document. Retain a copy of this document if you use it to identify a riskof injury or risk control.Incident/Injury recordsHave there been any incidents ofoccupational violence in the last 12 months?Have workers been threatened or assaultedin the past?Have these incidents resulted in seriousinjury or impact?Work environmentDoes the building have multiple access points?Is access to alarms difficult or too obvious?Is work done in unfamiliar environments?Is the environment uncomfortable for clients?Does the physical layout fail to provideprivacy for clients?Is it easy for a client to get physical accessto a worker?Are workers working in isolated locations?Is it difficult for workers to go to a safe placeif in danger?Is it difficult for workers to communicatewhen threatened?Is visibility impaired?Is visibility of the working environment fromoutside the building inadequate?Is external lighting inadequate?Yes (riskcontrolneeded)Yes (riskcontrolneeded)No Solutions CommentsNo Solutions Comments3

More information about Occupational violenceWork practicesAre there likely to be service delays thatare not communicated to the client?Are there likely to be circumstances thatwould frustrate clients?Are staffing numbers insufficient at demandtimes?Are workers providing community outreachservices?Do workers ever work alone or in isolatedlocations?Would it be difficult for a worker to seekassistance if threatened or assaulted?Would it be difficult for another personto see that assistance was needed if anincident occurred?Does the workplace lack securityand emergency procedures?Does the workplace fail to regularly checkand test security and emergencyprocedures?Does the workplace lack a clear processfor dealing with conflict and aggression?Does the workplace lack procedures todeal with violence during and after an event?Worker trainingAre there inexperienced workers in front linepositions?Are there any workers that have notreceived training in how to deal withaggression and/or challenging behaviour?Are there any workers that do not haveappropriate workplace knowledge and skillsto deal with clients?Are any workers unaware of policies orprocedures about occupational violence?Yes (riskcontrolneeded)Yes (riskcontrolneeded)No Solutions CommentsNo Solutions Comments4

More information about Occupational violenceBehaviourAre clients/service users likely to bedistressed or aggressive?Is the behaviour of the client(s) unpredictable?Is an aggressor likely to have a weapon?Is there likely to be more than one aggressor?Is an aggressor likely to be under theinfluence of alcohol or drugs?There is no method to assess or identifypotential for aggression or violenceAdditional factorsYes (riskcontrolneeded)No Solutions CommentsThis fact sheet provides information in relation to your health and safetyobligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004(OHS Act) only. It should not be viewed as a definitive guide to the law,and should be read in conjunction with the OHS Act. You should seekadvice about other legal duties that may apply to your organisation.Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy andcompleteness of this fact sheet, the advice contained herein may not applyin every circumstance. Accordingly, the Victorian WorkCover Authoritycannot be held responsible, and extends no warranties as to the suitabilityof the information for your specific circumstances; or actions taken by thirdparties as a result of information contained in this fact sheet.5

A Health and Safety SolutionMoving and lifting objectsMay 2011What is the problem?Moving and lifting objects such as equipment or furniturefrom the ground, low levels or above shoulder height.What are the risks?Workers may be at risk of musculoskeletal injuries(eg sprains, strains, fractures and soft tissue injuries)to the back and shoulders when moving objects that arelarge, bulky, awkward or difficult to handle.Lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, bending and workrequiring awkward postures such as working aboveshoulder height or below knee height may create risks.Common sources of risk include:• inappropriate storage facilities(eg shelves above shoulder height)• lack of storage• clutter that makes access and movement difficult• uneven floor surfaces• no or inappropriate equipment or aids to move objects• a mismatch between the object to be moved andavailable moving equipment or aids• not enough people to do the task• limited time (eg needing to move objects quicklyor no time to wait for assistance)• heavy, awkward or bulky objects.What are solutions to the problem?SystemsBefore services are provided, employers shouldidentify the risks and provide risk controls in consultationwith workers and health and safety representatives.Develop systems of work that:• provide workers with information, instruction, trainingand supervision in relation to work procedures and useof equipment• provide hazard reporting processes so safety issuescan be identified and fixed as soon as possible• maintain equipment and aids in a suitable conditionthrough regular maintenance and inspections• provide and encourage use of mechanical aidsinstead of lifting by hand (eg self-height adjustingbin inserts in laundry trolleys)• reduce the frequency of objects being moved• identify weight, size and recommended handlinginstructions for all relevant objects• reduce bending or reaching by storing objectsat waist height• reduce the size or weight of objects• match the number of workers to the task• allocate sufficient time to complete activities.Environment• Provide storage facilities with adequate accessfor workers to move objects.• Place frequently moved and large, bulky orawkward-to-handle objects on storage shelvesabove knee height and below shoulder height.• Maintain floor surfaces in flat, undamaged conditionwith good slip resistance.• Reduce clutter and minimise loose objects.Equipment• Store objects in smaller containers to avoid liftingand balancing heavy loads.• Use lightweight, sturdy, stackable containerswith wheels and handles to store or move objects.• Maintain storage area doors so they can be easilyopened and closed.• Design and provide storage areas for outdooror larger equipment.• Provide adjustable height trolleys for moving objects.• Attach lockable castors to objects that can be wheeled.• Provide suitable equipment for reaching objectsor performing work above shoulder height(eg step platforms with handrails provide a larger,more stable work surface than ladders).• Place equipment on firm, non-slip surfaces.• Maintain three points of contact when going up, downor standing on ladders (eg two feet and at least one handor two hands and at least one foot).(Continued over page)HSS0129/02/05.111

A Health and Safety Solution Moving and lifting objectsThe problemA solutionCarrying heavy or unwieldy items may cause tripping or muscle injury.A light weight, collapsible trolley allows items to be transported safely.Further informationWorkSafe Advisory ServiceToll-free 1800 136 089info@worksafe.vic.gov.auworksafe.vic.gov.auRelated WorkSafe publicationsManual Handling Code of Practice, 2000Working safely in community services, 2006Injury hotspot – Community support services, 2008WorkSafe OHS compliance kits –Children’s services, disability services, home care,community support servicesVolunteer health and safety – A handbookfor community service organisations, 2008The information presented in this Health and Safety Solution is intendedfor general use only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure theaccuracy and completeness of the Health and Safety Solution, the advicecontained herein may not apply in every circumstance. Accordingly, theVictorian WorkCover Authority cannot be held responsible, and extendsno warranties as to the suitability of the information for your specificcircumstances; or actions taken by third parties as a result of informationcontained in the Health and Safety Solution.2